Kearney vs Omaha: Occupational Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapist salaries between Kearney, NE and Omaha, NE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Kearney, NE | Omaha, NE |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $91,108 | $96,516▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $43.80 | $46.41▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $69,741 | $73,276▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $77,608 | $83,097▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $105,400 | $106,420▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $117,309▲ | $111,078 |
| Total Employed | 9 | 820▲ |
Verdict
Omaha, NE offers better overall compensation for occupational therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Kearney.
The salary gap between Kearney and Omaha is $5,408 (5.94%). Omaha's median is -6.66% compared to the US national median of $103,400.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Kearney spans $47,568,Omaha spans $37,802. Kearney has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Omaha ($105,010 effective) pays 5.46% more than Kearney ($99,572 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Kearney if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($117,309)
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Choose Omaha if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($96,516/year)
- ✓Larger job market (820 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $105,010)
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapist salaries in Kearney grew 19.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 27.5% growth in Omaha over the same period.
Kearney, NE
$74,014 (2024) → $88,403 (2025)
Omaha, NE
$73,450 (2019) → $93,650 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Kearney, NE
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapists more: Kearney or Omaha?
What is the hourly rate difference between Kearney and Omaha?
Should I relocate from Kearney to Omaha as a occupational therapist?
What do entry-level occupational therapists earn in Kearney vs Omaha?
Written by Jordan Miller, OTR/L
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience in occupational therapy. They specialize in pediatrics and work in a rehabilitation clinic.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.06% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Miller, OTR/L, a licensed occupational therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov