Healthcare Kearney, NE Pop. 33,464

Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Kearney, Nebraska

The median speech-language pathologist salary in Kearney, NE is $76,789 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 4.4% below the Nebraska state average.

City Median
$76,789
vs State Avg
$-3,572
vs National
$-12,501
Cost of Living
86%

Speech-Language Pathologist Pay in Kearney: What to Expect (2026)

Kearney offers a median speech-language pathologist salary of $76,789, which is $3,572 below the Nebraska state average of $80,361. Compared to the national median of $89,290, 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 $76,789 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $89,290 in an average-cost city. This makes Kearney an attractive option for speech-language pathologists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for speech-language pathologists in Kearney spans from $51,772 at the 10th percentile to $110,080 at the 90th percentile — a $58,308 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $53,320, while senior speech-language pathologists 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.

Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Kearney by Experience

In Kearney, an entry-level speech-language pathologist earns around $53,320, 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)
$53,320
$-8,680 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$77,400
$-12,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$103,200
$-16,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Kearney, NE

Percentile Kearney
10th Percentile $51,772
25th Percentile $62,780
Median (50th) $76,789
75th Percentile $92,880
90th Percentile $110,080

Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Other Nebraska Cities

Omaha, NE
$83,040
Pop. 486,051
Bellevue, NE
$82,147
Pop. 64,176
Lincoln, NE
$80,361
Pop. 291,082
Grand Island, NE
$75,004
Pop. 53,131

How to Become a Speech-Language Pathologist in Kearney

Education

Most speech-language pathologist positions require a master's degree. Kearney and the surrounding Nebraska area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Speech AssessmentLanguage TherapySwallowing TherapyAAC DevicesDocumentationPatient Education

Job Outlook

Nationally, speech-language pathologist employment is projected to grow 19% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Kearney may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Speech-Language Pathologist Jobs in Kearney

Browse open speech-language pathologist positions in Kearney, NE:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Kearney

How much does a Speech-Language Pathologist make in Kearney, NE? ▼
The median speech-language pathologist salary in Kearney, Nebraska is $76,789 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $89,290. Salaries range from $51,772 (10th percentile) to $110,080 (90th percentile).
How much does a Speech-Language Pathologist make per hour in Kearney? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $76,789, a speech-language pathologist in Kearney earns approximately $37 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Kearney compare to the Nebraska state average for speech-language pathologist pay? ▼
Kearney's median speech-language pathologist salary of $76,789 is 4.4% below the Nebraska state average of $80,361. 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 speech-language pathologist salary of $76,789 in Kearney has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a speech-language pathologist in Kearney? ▼
Most speech-language pathologist positions in Kearney require a master's degree. Key skills include Speech Assessment, Language Therapy, Swallowing Therapy, AAC Devices. The job market is projected to grow 19% nationally over the next decade.