Respiratory Therapist Salary in Kearney, NE: $60,664 (2026)

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

Kearney offers a median respiratory therapist salary of $60,664, which is $2,822 below the Nebraska state average of $63,486. Compared to the national median of $70,540, 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 $60,664 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $70,540 in an average-cost city. This makes Kearney an attractive option for respiratory therapists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for respiratory therapists in Kearney spans from $41,280 at the 10th percentile to $85,140 at the 90th percentile — a $43,860 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $43,000, while senior respiratory therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $81,700. Kearney is a smaller market (pop. 33,464), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Kearney by Experience

In Kearney, an entry-level respiratory therapist earns around $43,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $81,700 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$43,000

$-7,000 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$61,920

$-10,080 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$81,700

$-13,300 vs national

Percentile	Kearney	NE State	National
10th Percentile	$41,280	$43,200	$48,000
25th Percentile	$49,020	$51,300	$57,000
Median (50th)	$60,664	$63,486	$70,540
75th Percentile	$73,960	$77,400	$86,000
90th Percentile	$85,140	$89,100	$99,000

Percentile

Kearney

10th Percentile

$41,280

25th Percentile

$49,020

Median (50th)

$60,664

75th Percentile

$73,960

90th Percentile

$85,140

How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Kearney

Education

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

Key Skills

Ventilator ManagementPulmonary Function TestingABG AnalysisOxygen TherapyCritical CarePatient Assessment

Job Outlook

Nationally, respiratory therapist employment is projected to grow 14% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Kearney may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Respiratory Therapist Salary in Kearney

How much does a Respiratory Therapist make in Kearney, NE? ▼

The median respiratory therapist salary in Kearney, Nebraska is $60,664 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $70,540. Salaries range from $41,280 (10th percentile) to $85,140 (90th percentile).

How much does a Respiratory Therapist make per hour in Kearney? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $60,664, a respiratory therapist in Kearney earns approximately $29 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Kearney compare to the Nebraska state average for respiratory therapist pay? ▼

Kearney's median respiratory therapist salary of $60,664 is 4.4% below the Nebraska state average of $63,486. 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 respiratory therapist salary of $60,664 in Kearney has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a respiratory therapist in Kearney? ▼

Most respiratory therapist positions in Kearney require a associate's degree. Key skills include Ventilator Management, Pulmonary Function Testing, ABG Analysis, Oxygen Therapy. The job market is projected to grow 14% nationally over the next decade.

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Kearney, Nebraska