Healthcare Kearney, NE Pop. 33,464

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Kearney, Nebraska

The median occupational therapy assistant salary in Kearney, NE is $56,261 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 4.4% below the Nebraska state average.

City Median
$56,261
vs State Avg
$-2,617
vs National
$-9,159
Cost of Living
86%

Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay in Kearney: What to Expect (2026)

Kearney offers a median occupational therapy assistant salary of $56,261, which is $2,617 below the Nebraska state average of $58,878. Compared to the national median of $65,420, 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 $56,261 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $65,420 in an average-cost city. This makes Kearney an attractive option for occupational therapy assistants seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for occupational therapy assistants in Kearney spans from $36,120 at the 10th percentile to $79,120 at the 90th percentile — a $43,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $37,840, while senior occupational therapy assistants with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $75,680. Kearney is a smaller market (pop. 33,464), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Kearney by Experience

In Kearney, an entry-level occupational therapy assistant earns around $37,840, while experienced professionals earn up to $75,680 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$37,840
$-6,160 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$56,760
$-9,240 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$75,680
$-12,320 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Kearney, NE

Percentile Kearney
10th Percentile $36,120
25th Percentile $44,720
Median (50th) $56,261
75th Percentile $68,800
90th Percentile $79,120

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Other Nebraska Cities

Omaha, NE
$60,841
Pop. 486,051
Bellevue, NE
$60,186
Pop. 64,176
Lincoln, NE
$58,878
Pop. 291,082
Grand Island, NE
$54,953
Pop. 53,131

How to Become a Occupational Therapy Assistant in Kearney

Education

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

Key Skills

Therapeutic ExercisesPatient CareDocumentationCommunicationAdaptabilityCompassion

Job Outlook

Nationally, occupational therapy assistant employment is projected to grow 25% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Kearney may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Occupational Therapy Assistant Jobs in Kearney

Browse open occupational therapy assistant positions in Kearney, NE:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Kearney

How much does a Occupational Therapy Assistant make in Kearney, NE? ▼
The median occupational therapy assistant salary in Kearney, Nebraska is $56,261 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $65,420. Salaries range from $36,120 (10th percentile) to $79,120 (90th percentile).
How much does a Occupational Therapy Assistant make per hour in Kearney? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $56,261, a occupational therapy assistant in Kearney earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Kearney compare to the Nebraska state average for occupational therapy assistant pay? ▼
Kearney's median occupational therapy assistant salary of $56,261 is 4.4% below the Nebraska state average of $58,878. 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 therapy assistant salary of $56,261 in Kearney has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a occupational therapy assistant in Kearney? ▼
Most occupational therapy assistant positions in Kearney require a associate's degree. Key skills include Therapeutic Exercises, Patient Care, Documentation, Communication. The job market is projected to grow 25% nationally over the next decade.