Physical Therapist in Lincoln, NE

Here is a comprehensive career guide for Physical Therapists considering Lincoln, Nebraska.

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The Salary Picture: Where Lincoln Stands

As a local, I can tell you that Lincoln’s PT market is stable, demand-driven, and sits comfortably below national averages—but that’s not the whole story. When you factor in the state’s exceptionally low cost of living, the financial picture becomes far more attractive. The median salary for Physical Therapists in Lincoln is $97,316/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $46.79/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $99,710/year, a common trend in the Midwest.

However, Lincoln’s healthcare sector is robust, supported by a major university, a large state capital, and a solid aging population. The metro area supports 589 jobs for PTs with a promising 10-year job growth of 14%. This growth is driven by an aging population and the expansion of outpatient clinics. For context, Lincoln pays slightly more than Omaha (due to less saturation) but less than national hubs like Chicago or Denver.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Salaries in Lincoln scale predictably with experience. New grads start strong, but the real jump comes after the 5-year mark, especially if you pursue board certification.

Level	Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary Range
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$82,000 - $90,000
Mid-Career	3-5 years	$92,000 - $105,000
Senior	6-10 years	$105,000 - $118,000
Expert	10+ years	$118,000+ (with specialization)

Note: These are estimates based on local job postings and BLS data. Specialization (e.g., orthopedic, vestibular, pelvic health) can push the "Expert" category significantly higher.

Comparison to Other Nebraska Cities

Lincoln offers a balanced profile compared to its in-state counterparts. It has more job density than smaller cities but less competition than Omaha.

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index (US Avg=100)	Key Employer Notes
Lincoln	$97,316	92.0	State capital, major university, strong hospital systems.
Omaha	$96,500	90.5	Larger market, more corporate clinics, slightly lower pay.
Grand Island	$91,200	85.0	Rural focus, higher demand for generalists, lower pay.
Kearney	$93,400	87.0	College town (!Unk), similar to Lincoln but smaller scale.

Source: Salary data from BLS OES, cost of living from local indices.

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The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get practical. With a median salary of $97,316, how does a PT actually live in Lincoln? The key here is the Cost of Living Index of 92.0, which is 8% below the national average.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for an Individual PT

Here’s a realistic monthly budget based on $97,316/year (approx. $6,100/month after taxes, depending on withholdings).

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	~$6,100	After federal, state (5%), FICA, and basic benefits.
Rent (1BR)	$856	The city average; can be as low as $700 in some areas.
Utilities	$150	Includes gas, electric, water, and internet.
Groceries	$400	Lincoln has good, affordable grocery chains (Hy-Vee, Super Saver).
Car Payment/Insurance	$450	Essential; public transit is limited.
Health Insurance	$250	Employer-sponsored plan contribution.
Student Loans	$400	Average for a DPT graduate; income-driven plans common.
Savings/401k	$800	Highly recommended; many employers offer 5-6% match.
Discretionary	$2,794	For dining out, entertainment, travel, and extra savings.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. The median home price in Lincoln is approximately $285,000. With a 20% down payment ($57,000), a monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) would be around $1,600 - $1,800. Given the discretionary income above, a PT earning the median salary can comfortably save for a down payment within 2-3 years and manage the monthly payment. This is one of Lincoln’s biggest advantages over coastal cities.

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Where the Jobs Are: Lincoln’s Major Employers

Lincoln’s job market is dominated by a few key players. New graduates often start at a large hospital system for mentorship, then move to outpatient private practices for higher earning potential.

1. Nebraska Medicine - Lincoln (formerly Bryan Health): The largest system. They run Bryan Medical Center (East and West) and dozens of clinics. They have a strong PT residency program and are the primary employer for hospital-based rehab (acute care, ICU, ortho). Hiring is steady, with a preference for new grads who want structured training.
2. Baylor Scott & White Institute for Rehabilitation (BSWIR): A major inpatient rehab facility (IRF) located on the Bryan East campus. They specialize in neurological and trauma cases (stroke, spinal cord injury). This is a niche, high-acuity employer that pays competitively for specialized skills.
3. University of Nebraska - Lincoln (UNL) Athletics: The "holy grail" for sports PTs. UNL’s athletic department hires full-time PTs for their 24 varsity teams. These positions are highly competitive, often requiring a sports residency or significant NCAA experience. Pay is excellent, and the benefits are top-tier.
4. Independent Outpatient Private Practices: This is where the highest earning potential lies. Practices like Therapeutic Associates (multiple locations), Atlas Physical Therapy, and Peak Performance PT offer productivity-based bonuses. Insider tip: Look for practices owned by PTs; they often have better culture and profit-sharing.
5. Lincoln Public Schools (LPS): The school district is the largest in the state and employs PTs for early intervention and school-based therapy. This role offers a summers-off schedule (with some year-round work) and a lower stress environment compared to hospital settings. Pay is on a teacher salary scale, starting around $85,000.
6. VA Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System: Located at the Bryan West campus, the VA offers federal benefits, job security, and a focus on geriatric and orthopedic populations. Hiring can be slow due to federal processes, but once in, it’s a long-term career.
7. Lincoln Orthopaedic Center: A premier private group for orthopedics. They have in-house PT and often hire directly for their own clinics. This is a great route if you want to specialize in orthopedics and work closely with surgeons.

Hiring Trends: There is a consistent demand for home health and geriatric PTs due to Lincoln’s aging population. The recent shift toward value-based care has also increased demand for PTs who can demonstrate outcome-based success, particularly in outpatient orthopedics.

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Getting Licensed in NE

Nebraska’s process is straightforward but requires attention to detail. The Nebraska Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS), Office of Allied Health, oversees licensure.

Requirements:

1. Education: Graduate from a CAPTE-accredited PT program (DPT).
2. Exam: Pass the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT).
3. Jurisprudence: Pass the Nebraska Jurisprudence Exam (open-book, online).
4. Background Check: Complete a fingerprint-based criminal history check.

Costs (Approximate):

• NPTE Exam Fee: $485
• NE Jurisprudence Exam: $60
• Initial License Application Fee: $162
• Background Check: ~$50
• Total Initial Cost: ~$757

Timeline to Get Started:

• Upon Graduation: Apply for the NPTE (can sit for the exam 60 days prior to graduation).
• 1-2 Months Post-Grad: Take the NPTE. Results take ~10 business days.
• 3-4 Months Post-Grad: Submit full application to NE DHHS once NPTE is passed. Processing can take 4-6 weeks.
• Pro Tip: Start the Nebraska Jurisprudence Exam while studying for the NPTE. It’s easy and can be done in one sitting. Always check the Nebraska State Board of Physical Therapy website for the most current forms.

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Best Neighborhoods for Physical Therapists

Lincoln is a driving city, but living in the right area can turn a 30-minute commute into a 10-minute drive. Here are the top picks for PTs.

1. The South (South of Pine Lake Road):

   • Vibe: Family-friendly, newer homes, excellent schools. This is where many healthcare professionals settle.
   • Commute: 15-20 minutes to most major hospitals (Bryan East, VA). Easy access to I-80.
   • Rent Estimate: $900 - $1,100 for a 1BR.
   • Insider Tip: The area around Cotner Boulevard and 84th & Pioneers is highly sought after for its walkability to parks and shopping.

2. The Haymarket / Downtown:

   • Vibe: Urban, walkable, nightlife. Best for young, single PTs who want to be near restaurants and Husker events.
   • Commute: 5-10 minutes to Bryan West and the VA. Can be a longer drive to the South clinics.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,000 - $1,400 for a 1BR loft or apartment.
   • Insider Tip: Parking is a challenge. Look for apartments with an assigned spot.

3. University Place:

   • Vibe: Quiet, established, near UNL’s east campus. Mix of students and professors.
   • Commute: 10-15 minutes to most places. Central to everything.
   • Rent Estimate: $750 - $950 for a 1BR.
   • Insider Tip: Older stock, so check for updated HVAC and windows. Great value.

4. Air Park / North 84th Street:

   • Vibe: Commercial corridor with residential pockets. Affordable and practical.
   • Commute: 10-15 minutes to Bryan West, 15-20 to Bryan East.
   • Rent Estimate: $700 - $900 for a 1BR.
   • Insider Tip: Look for duplexes or small apartment complexes here for lower rent.

5. Waverly (Northwest Lincoln):

   • Vibe: Suburban, growing, with a small-town feel but city amenities. Great for families.
   • Commute: 20-25 minutes to downtown hospitals, but easy highway access.
   • Rent Estimate: $850 - $1,050 for a 1BR.
   • Insider Tip: Newer construction, but you’re trading commute time for space and quiet.

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The Long Game: Career Growth

Lincoln is an excellent place to build a long-term career, but advancement requires intentional planning.

Specialty Premiums:

• Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS): Adds $5,000 - $10,000 to base salary. High demand in private practices.
• Neurologic Clinical Specialist (NCS): Critical for hospital and IRF roles (BSWIR, Nebraska Medicine). Can add $7,000 - $12,000.
• Pediatric Clinical Specialist (PCS): Needed for LPS and Children’s Hospital. Less common, so premiums are high ($8,000+).
• Pelvic Health Certification: Emerging specialty with very high demand in outpatient. Can command a 10-15% salary increase due to niche demand.

Advancement Paths:

1. Clinical Ladder: Most large systems (Nebraska Medicine, VA) have a clinical ladder program. Moving from PT I to PT II to PT III (supervisor/mentor) comes with annual raises and leadership roles.
2. Outpatient Private Practice Ownership: The ultimate goal for many. Lincoln’s market allows for successful solo or small-group practices. Profit margins can be strong, but it requires business acumen.
3. Academic & Research: UNL’s College of Education and Human Sciences has a PT department. Becoming a clinical instructor or adjunct professor can supplement income and build your network.
4. Home Health Agency Management: Moving from a field clinician to a clinical manager or director in a large home health agency (like Amedisys or BAYADA) offers a shift away from direct patient care.

10-Year Outlook: The 14% job growth is promising. The shift toward outpatient, preventive care, and telehealth will create new roles. PTs who embrace tech (EMR proficiency, telehealth platforms) and specialize in high-demand areas (geriatrics, orthopedics, pelvic health) will see the most significant career velocity.

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The Verdict: Is Lincoln Right for You?

Lincoln is a pragmatic choice for a Physical Therapist. It’s not a flashy, high-salary market, but it offers a lifestyle that is financially sustainable and professionally rewarding.

Pros	Cons
Strong Affordability: $856 rent and low COL make the $97,316 median salary go far.	Lower Ceiling: Top-end earnings are capped compared to major metros.
Stable Job Market: 589 jobs and 14% growth mean you won’t struggle to find work.	Limited Specialization: Fewer niche, high-acuity centers (e.g., Level 1 trauma, major research hospitals).
Manageable Commutes: 15-20 minutes almost anywhere.	Cultural Pace: If you crave constant big-city events, Lincoln can feel quiet.
Quality of Life: Safe, family-friendly, with four distinct seasons.	Car Dependency: You need a reliable vehicle.
Career Growth: Solid paths in hospitals, schools, and private practice.	Licensing: Nebraska is not a compact state; you must licensure here specifically.

Final Recommendation: Lincoln is an excellent choice for:

• New graduates looking for affordable living while paying off student loans.
• PTs wanting to buy a home and start a family without a dual-income requirement.
• Clinicians who value work-life balance and a strong sense of community over chasing the highest possible salary.

If you prioritize maximum income and a high-stakes, fast-paced urban environment, look to Chicago or Denver. If you want a stable, well-paid career in a place where your income provides true comfort and freedom, Lincoln is a top-tier contender.

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FAQs

1. How competitive is the job market for new graduates in Lincoln?
It’s moderately competitive. While there are 589 jobs, many are filled by UNL PT program graduates who intern locally. To stand out, gain experience in a Nebraska-based clinical site during your final rotations. Networking at the Nebraska Physical Therapy Association (NPTA) conference is crucial.

2. Is the $97,316 median salary enough to live comfortably as a single person?
Yes, absolutely. With a $856 average rent and the city’s 92.0 cost of living index, you can live well, save for retirement (aim for 15% of income), and still have disposable income. A roommate in a nicer apartment can further increase your savings rate.

3. What’s the best setting for work-life balance in Lincoln?
School-based PT (LPS) offers the best schedule, with summers and holidays off. Outpatient private practice can offer good balance if you find the right clinic (avoid those with unrealistic productivity quotas). Hospital-based roles (Nebraska Medicine) often have more on-call and weekend shifts.

4. Do I need to specialize to earn above the median?
No, but it helps. You can earn above the $97,316 median as a generalist in a high-volume outpatient clinic or a home health agency. However, specializing in orthopedics, neurology, or pelvic health is the fastest route to exceeding $110,000 within 5-7 years.

5. How is the professional community?
Very engaged. The NPTA is active, with regular CEU events in Lincoln. Many employers support conference attendance. The smaller size of the city also means you’ll quickly build a network of colleagues across different practice settings, which is invaluable for career growth and referrals.