Healthcare Kearney, NE Pop. 33,464

Occupational Therapist Salary in Kearney, Nebraska

The median occupational therapist salary in Kearney, NE is $80,135 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 4.4% below the Nebraska state average.

City Median
$80,135
vs State Avg
$-3,727
vs National
$-13,045
Cost of Living
86%

Occupational Therapist Pay in Kearney: What to Expect (2026)

Kearney offers a median occupational therapist salary of $80,135, which is $3,727 below the Nebraska state average of $83,862. Compared to the national median of $93,180, 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 $80,135 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $93,180 in an average-cost city. This makes Kearney an attractive option for occupational therapists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for occupational therapists in Kearney spans from $53,320 at the 10th percentile to $109,659 at the 90th percentile — a $56,339 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $55,040, while senior occupational therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $103,200. Kearney is a smaller market (pop. 33,464), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Occupational Therapist Salary in Kearney by Experience

In Kearney, an entry-level occupational therapist earns around $55,040, while experienced professionals earn up to $103,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$55,040
$-8,960 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$79,980
$-13,020 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$103,200
$-16,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Kearney, NE

Percentile Kearney
10th Percentile $53,320
25th Percentile $66,392
Median (50th) $80,135
75th Percentile $94,428
90th Percentile $109,659

Occupational Therapist Salary in Other Nebraska Cities

Omaha, NE
$86,657
Pop. 486,051
Bellevue, NE
$85,726
Pop. 64,176
Lincoln, NE
$83,862
Pop. 291,082
Grand Island, NE
$78,271
Pop. 53,131

How to Become a Occupational Therapist in Kearney

Education

Most occupational therapist positions require a master's degree. Kearney and the surrounding Nebraska area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Therapeutic ActivitiesPatient AssessmentAdaptive EquipmentDocumentationRehabilitationCommunication

Job Outlook

Nationally, occupational therapist employment is projected to grow 12% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Kearney may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Occupational Therapist Jobs in Kearney

Browse open occupational therapist positions in Kearney, NE:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Occupational Therapist Salary in Kearney

How much does a Occupational Therapist make in Kearney, NE? ▼
The median occupational therapist salary in Kearney, Nebraska is $80,135 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $93,180. Salaries range from $53,320 (10th percentile) to $109,659 (90th percentile).
How much does a Occupational Therapist make per hour in Kearney? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $80,135, a occupational therapist in Kearney earns approximately $39 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Kearney compare to the Nebraska state average for occupational therapist pay? ▼
Kearney's median occupational therapist salary of $80,135 is 4.4% below the Nebraska state average of $83,862. 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 occupational therapist salary of $80,135 in Kearney has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a occupational therapist in Kearney? ▼
Most occupational therapist positions in Kearney require a master's degree. Key skills include Therapeutic Activities, Patient Assessment, Adaptive Equipment, Documentation. The job market is projected to grow 12% nationally over the next decade.