Kearney vs Lincoln: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse 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 | $59,978 | $66,665▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $28.83 | $32.05▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,487 | $53,579▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $56,801 | $61,486▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $70,434 | $76,960▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $76,092 | $81,357▲ |
| Total Employed | 9 | 660▲ |
Verdict
Lincoln, NE offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Kearney.
The salary gap between Kearney and Lincoln is $6,687 (11.15%). Lincoln's median is -2.07% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Kearney spans $26,605,Lincoln spans $27,778. Lincoln has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced licensed practical nurses.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Lincoln ($72,793 effective) pays 11.05% more than Kearney ($65,550 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 ($66,665/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($81,357)
- ✓Larger job market (660 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $72,793)
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Kearney grew 21.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 42.9% growth in Lincoln over the same period.
Kearney, NE
$46,700 (2024) → $56,744 (2025)
Lincoln, NE
$44,140 (2019) → $63,070 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Kearney, NE
Lincoln, NE
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Kearney or Lincoln?
What is the hourly rate difference between Kearney and Lincoln?
Should I relocate from Kearney to Lincoln as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Kearney vs Lincoln?
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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.70% 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 Aisha Malik, LPN, a licensed licensed practical nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov