Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Kearney, NE: $59,978 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time licensed practical nurse in Kearney, NE earns a median $59,978/year (≈ $28.83/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Once you factor in Kearney's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.5), that paycheck buys what $65,550 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.7% below the Nebraska state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Licensed practical nurse salaries in Kearney, Nebraska, are influenced by the setting in which LPNs choose to work, such as skilled nursing facilities versus home health agencies. In 2026, the median annual salary is projected to reach $59,978, which is approximately 11.89% lower than the national average of $68,071. The salary range for licensed practical nurses in Kearney spans from $49,487 at the 10th percentile to $76,092 at the 90th percentile. These estimates are derived from state-level data by the BLS, along with adjustments for local price variations. This dynamic indicates that while there are competitive salaries available, especially in skilled nursing facilities, LPNs in Kearney can expect their earnings to reflect the local economic conditions and the specific demands of their roles.
About the Kearney Market
Salary estimated from Nebraska average ($53,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,487 | $23.79 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $56,801 | $27.31 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $59,978 | $28.83 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $70,434 | $33.87 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $76,092 | $36.58 |
Median Salary Position
11.89% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Kearney
In Kearney, NE, the licensed practical nurse salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $26,605 (2026 est.). At $59,978, the local median is 11.89% below the national median of $68,071.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Kearney: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Kearney Licensed Practical Nurse Pay Compares
Kearney median: $59,978/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Kearney Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Nebraska Average | $62,283 | -3.70% less |
| National Average | $68,071 | -11.89% less |
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.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Kearney has a cost of living 8.50% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Kearney, NE has a cost-of-living index of 91.5 (below the national average of 100). A licensed practical nurse earning $59,978 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $65,550 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.29% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$41,835
2025 BLS Actual
$56,744
2026 Current Est.
$59,978
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Salary 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 | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41,835 | Actual |
| 2020 | $43,016 | Actual |
| 2021 | $42,355 | Actual |
| 2022 | $48,127 | Actual |
| 2023 | $52,629 | Actual |
| 2024 | $46,700 | Actual |
| 2025 | $56,744 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59,978 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63,397 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Kearney metropolitan area, the median licensed practical nurse salary grew 35.6% from $41,835 (2019) to $56,744 (2025). At a 5.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $63,397 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,562 (51.54%) from 2019.
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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $49,487 – $56,801 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $56,801 – $59,978 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $59,978 – $70,434 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $70,434 – $76,092 |
LPN salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual licensed practical nurse compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Licensed Practical Nurse Job Market in Kearney
In assessing the job market, Kearney employs only nine licensed practical nurses, which suggests a limited but potentially specialized field. The cost-of-living index in Kearney stands at 91.5, signifying a cheaper living standard compared to the national average, thus enhancing the purchasing power of LPNs earning around the local median. Skilled nursing facilities typically offer higher pay compared to other employers such as physician offices or home health agencies, primarily due to the intensive care demands of the setting. Factors influencing the broader salary range in the area include specialty certifications like IV therapy, which may qualify LPNs for additional pay, as well as shift differentials for nights or weekends. To maximize earning potential, LPNs in Kearney should consider seeking positions in long-term care facilities, pursuing relevant certifications, and being open to shifts during high-demand periods, as these adjustments can lead to increased compensation.
More salary data for Kearney, NE:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $56,744 for licensed practical nursesin the Kearney metropolitan area. A 5.70% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
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