Personal Care & Fitness Kearney, NE Pop. 33,464

Athletic Trainer Salary in Kearney, Nebraska

The median athletic trainer salary in Kearney, NE is $46,302 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 4.4% below the Nebraska state average.

City Median
$46,302
vs State Avg
$-2,154
vs National
$-7,538
Cost of Living
86%

Athletic Trainer Pay in Kearney: What to Expect (2026)

Kearney offers a median athletic trainer salary of $46,302, which is $2,154 below the Nebraska state average of $48,456. Compared to the national median of $53,840, Kearney pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Kearney's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $46,302 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $53,840 in an average-cost city. This makes Kearney an attractive option for athletic trainers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for athletic trainers in Kearney spans from $29,240 at the 10th percentile to $70,520 at the 90th percentile — a $41,280 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $30,960, while senior athletic trainers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $67,080. Kearney is a smaller market (pop. 33,464), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Athletic Trainer Salary in Kearney by Experience

In Kearney, an entry-level athletic trainer earns around $30,960, while experienced professionals earn up to $67,080 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$30,960
$-5,040 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$47,300
$-7,700 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$67,080
$-10,920 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Kearney, NE

Percentile Kearney
10th Percentile $29,240
25th Percentile $36,120
Median (50th) $46,302
75th Percentile $58,480
90th Percentile $70,520

Athletic Trainer Salary in Other Nebraska Cities

Omaha, NE
$50,071
Pop. 486,051
Bellevue, NE
$49,533
Pop. 64,176
Lincoln, NE
$48,456
Pop. 291,082
Grand Island, NE
$45,226
Pop. 53,131

How to Become a Athletic Trainer in Kearney

Education

Most athletic trainer positions require a bachelor's degree. Kearney and the surrounding Nebraska area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Injury AssessmentRehabilitationTaping/BracingEmergency CareExercise ScienceCommunication

Job Outlook

Nationally, athletic trainer employment is projected to grow 17% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Kearney may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Athletic Trainer Jobs in Kearney

Browse open athletic trainer positions in Kearney, NE:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Athletic Trainer Salary in Kearney

How much does a Athletic Trainer make in Kearney, NE? ▼
The median athletic trainer salary in Kearney, Nebraska is $46,302 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $53,840. Salaries range from $29,240 (10th percentile) to $70,520 (90th percentile).
How much does a Athletic Trainer make per hour in Kearney? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $46,302, a athletic trainer in Kearney earns approximately $22 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Kearney compare to the Nebraska state average for athletic trainer pay? ▼
Kearney's median athletic trainer salary of $46,302 is 4.4% below the Nebraska state average of $48,456. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Kearney, NE? ▼
Kearney has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a athletic trainer salary of $46,302 in Kearney has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a athletic trainer in Kearney? ▼
Most athletic trainer positions in Kearney require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Injury Assessment, Rehabilitation, Taping/Bracing, Emergency Care. The job market is projected to grow 17% nationally over the next decade.