Kearney vs Omaha: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist 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 | $89,677▲ | $85,948 |
| Hourly Rate | $43.11▲ | $41.33 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $62,003 | $63,943▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $73,824 | $78,897▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $104,431▲ | $104,260 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $120,306 | $121,003▲ |
| Total Employed | 9 | 690▲ |
Verdict
Kearney and Omaha are closely matched on overall speech-language pathologist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Kearney and Omaha is $3,729 (4.34%). Kearney's median is -11.89% compared to the US national median of $101,775.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Kearney spans $58,303,Omaha spans $57,060. 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, Kearney ($98,008 effective) pays 4.81% more than Omaha ($93,512 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Kearney if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($89,677/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $98,008)
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Choose Omaha if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($121,003)
- ✓Larger job market (690 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, speech-language pathologist salaries in Kearney grew 22.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 17.5% growth in Omaha over the same period.
Kearney, NE
$70,490 (2024) → $86,236 (2025)
Omaha, NE
$70,370 (2019) → $82,650 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Kearney, NE
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: Kearney or Omaha?
What is the hourly rate difference between Kearney and Omaha?
Should I relocate from Kearney to Omaha as a speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in Kearney vs Omaha?
Written by Jordan Lee, CCC-SLP
Career Analyst
Jordan has over 8 years of experience in speech-language pathology. He specializes in pediatric language disorders. He works in a community health clinic.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.99% 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 Lee, CCC-SLP, a licensed speech-language pathologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov