Kearney vs Lincoln: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Kearney, NE and Lincoln, NE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Kearney, NE | Lincoln, NE |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $120,595 | $128,733▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $57.97 | $61.89▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $98,708 | $103,616▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $111,229 | $116,919▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $142,074▲ | $135,933 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $155,651 | $163,699▲ |
| Total Employed | 9 | 320▲ |
Verdict
Lincoln, NE offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Kearney.
The salary gap between Kearney and Lincoln is $8,138 (6.75%). Lincoln's median is -5.94% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Kearney spans $56,943,Lincoln spans $60,083. Lincoln has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced nurse practitioners.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Lincoln ($140,567 effective) pays 6.65% more than Kearney ($131,798 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Kearney if…
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Choose Lincoln if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($128,733/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($163,699)
- ✓Larger job market (320 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $140,567)
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Kearney grew 9.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 29.2% growth in Lincoln over the same period.
Kearney, NE
$106,616 (2024) → $116,573 (2025)
Lincoln, NE
$96,340 (2019) → $124,440 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Kearney, NE
Lincoln, NE
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Kearney or Lincoln?
What is the hourly rate difference between Kearney and Lincoln?
Should I relocate from Kearney to Lincoln as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Kearney vs Lincoln?
Written by Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience in adult healthcare. She works in a community health clinic. Her specialty is chronic disease management.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.45% 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 Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C, a licensed nurse practitioner with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov