Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay in Kearney, NE: $28.83 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a licensed practical nurse working in Kearney, NE runs $28.83 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $59,978 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Weighted against Kearney's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $31.51 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,986 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Kearney, Nebraska, the licensed practical nurse hourly pay is projected to be $28.83 in 2026, which is approximately 11.89% lower than the national hourly median of $32.73. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, this pay translates to a manageable income. Part-time licensed practical nurses typically work in settings like skilled nursing facilities, home health agencies, or hospice care, where their expertise plays a critical role. The hourly range for LPNs in Kearney spans from $23.79 for entry-level positions to about $36.58 for top earners. Understanding this range is essential for those considering per-diem roles, as they may also find varying rates depending on the workload and institution, often driven by demand for care within specific healthcare environments. This hourly pay structure reflects estimates derived from annual salary figures, giving a clearer picture of what LPNs can expect while serving the community.
About the Kearney Market
Salary estimated from Nebraska average ($53,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $23.79 | $190.34 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.31 | $218.50 |
| Median (P50) | $28.83 | $230.68 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.87 | $270.93 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $36.58 | $292.66 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Kearney
Based on $28.83/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.83/hr, a licensed practical nurse working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Kearney, NE can expect to earn approximately $59,977 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,602. With a cost-of-living index of 91.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Kearney.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Kearney
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,153.40 | $4,998 | $59,977 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $692.04 | $2,999 | $35,986 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $461.36 | $1,999 | $23,991 |
Compare LPN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Licensed Practical Nurse (Kearney) | $28.83 |
| Registered Nurse (National Avg) | $42.80 |
| Nursing Assistant (CNA) (National Avg) | $18.60 |
| Medical Assistant (National Avg) | $19.70 |
| Home Health / Personal Care Aide (National Avg) | $16.80 |
Licensed Practical Nurses in Kearney, NE earn a median of $59,978 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.89% lower than the national median of $68,071 and 3.70% below the Nebraska state average of $62,283.
Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.83/hr = $35,986/year (purchasing power: $39,329).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $59,977/year (purchasing power: $65,548).
CoL index: 91.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$20.11/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.28/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.83/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Kearney (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.11/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.68/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.36/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.14/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.30/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.45/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.28/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.83/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.48/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for licensed practical nurses in Kearney grew 35.6% from $20.11/hr (2019) to $27.28/hr (2025). At a 5.70% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.48/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem licensed practical nurses can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kearney metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.70% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Licensed Practical Nurse in Kearney
Evaluating part-time earning potential, a licensed practical nurse working just three days a week at 24 hours total annually nets around $36,001, considerably less than the annualized full-time income. For those interested in flexible positions, per diem licensed practical nurse pay in Kearney typically ranges between $28 and $42 per hour, while agency LPNs may command anywhere from $45 to $60 when working in high-demand facilities. Differences in hourly rates across employer types in Kearney are notable; skilled nursing facilities and home health agencies often pay lower than hospitals or private practices, where reimbursement rates can vary significantly. Some licensed practical nurses may consciously accept lower hourly wages in exchange for health insurance and other benefits, establishing a balance between income certainty and employment security. Those negotiating their hourly pay in Kearney should research local salary norms, evaluate their skills and experience, and be ready to present their case for higher compensation based on facility needs and patient care demands.
More salary data for Kearney, NE:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for licensed practical nurses in Kearney in 2026?
How much do part-time licensed practical nurses make in Kearney?
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Do licensed practical nurses earn more per hour working part-time in Kearney?
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Written by Aisha Malik, LPN
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience as a licensed practical nurse. She specializes in pediatric nursing. Aisha has worked in various outpatient clinics.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 5.70% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for licensed practical nurses in Kearney. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Kearney is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.70%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for licensed practical nurses (SOC 29-2061).
Compiled and verified by Aisha Malik, LPN, a licensed licensed practical nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov