Public Service Kearney, NE Pop. 33,464

EMT/Paramedic Salary in Kearney, Nebraska

The median emt/paramedic salary in Kearney, NE is $33,480 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 4.4% below the Nebraska state average.

City Median
$33,480
vs State Avg
$-1,557
vs National
$-5,450
Cost of Living
86%

EMT/Paramedic Pay in Kearney: What to Expect (2026)

Kearney offers a median emt/paramedic salary of $33,480, which is $1,557 below the Nebraska state average of $35,037. Compared to the national median of $38,930, 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 $33,480 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $38,930 in an average-cost city. This makes Kearney an attractive option for emt/paramedics seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for emt/paramedics in Kearney spans from $22,360 at the 10th percentile to $53,320 at the 90th percentile — a $30,960 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $24,080, while senior emt/paramedics with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $49,880. Kearney is a smaller market (pop. 33,464), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

EMT/Paramedic Salary in Kearney by Experience

In Kearney, an entry-level emt/paramedic earns around $24,080, while experienced professionals earn up to $49,880 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$24,080
$-3,920 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$34,400
$-5,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$49,880
$-8,120 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Kearney, NE

Percentile Kearney
10th Percentile $22,360
25th Percentile $26,660
Median (50th) $33,480
75th Percentile $43,000
90th Percentile $53,320

EMT/Paramedic Salary in Other Nebraska Cities

Omaha, NE
$36,205
Pop. 486,051
Bellevue, NE
$35,816
Pop. 64,176
Lincoln, NE
$35,037
Pop. 291,082
Grand Island, NE
$32,701
Pop. 53,131

How to Become a EMT/Paramedic in Kearney

Education

Most emt/paramedic positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Kearney and the surrounding Nebraska area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Emergency MedicineCPR/ALSPatient AssessmentTrauma CareCommunicationDriving

Job Outlook

Nationally, emt/paramedic employment is projected to grow 7% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Kearney may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find EMT/Paramedic Jobs in Kearney

Browse open emt/paramedic positions in Kearney, NE:

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Frequently Asked Questions: EMT/Paramedic Salary in Kearney

How much does a EMT/Paramedic make in Kearney, NE? ▼
The median emt/paramedic salary in Kearney, Nebraska is $33,480 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $38,930. Salaries range from $22,360 (10th percentile) to $53,320 (90th percentile).
How much does a EMT/Paramedic make per hour in Kearney? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $33,480, a emt/paramedic in Kearney earns approximately $16 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Kearney compare to the Nebraska state average for emt/paramedic pay? ▼
Kearney's median emt/paramedic salary of $33,480 is 4.4% below the Nebraska state average of $35,037. 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 emt/paramedic salary of $33,480 in Kearney has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a emt/paramedic in Kearney? ▼
Most emt/paramedic positions in Kearney require a postsecondary nondegree award. Key skills include Emergency Medicine, CPR/ALS, Patient Assessment, Trauma Care. The job market is projected to grow 7% nationally over the next decade.