Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Kearney, NE: $49,976 (2026)
Quick Answer:New occupational therapy assistants entering the Kearney, NE job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $49,976 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Kearney's local price level (BEA RPP 91.5 — 8% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $54,619 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($65,496) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those entering the field of occupational therapy in Kearney, NE, the starting occupational therapy assistant salary is projected to be around $49,976 in 2026. This figure is considerably lower than the overall median salary of $65,496 for the area, indicating that new graduates should manage their expectations regarding initial earnings. However, as they gain experience, they can anticipate a gradual increase, progressing to a likely salary of approximately $57,861 after a few years. The local job market currently presents a favorable environment for new grads, as the healthcare demand continues to rise. With a growth rate of 2.81% projected over the next five years, Kearney may offer a solid foundation for those beginning their careers in this rewarding field of therapy.
About the Kearney Market
Salary estimated from Nebraska average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Kearney
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Kearney
Entry-level occupational therapy assistants in Kearney, NE typically start between $49,976 and $57,861 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $29,692 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $65,496 — 11.89% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average occupational therapy program cost in Nebraska of $18,000 represents just 36.02% of the starting occupational therapy assistant pay ($49,976/year) in Kearney. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on ACOTE-accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant associate degree programs. Tuition varies between community college and private technical school settings.
OTA Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Kearney
- 1Research the Kearney market: entry-level occupational therapy assistant pay ranges from $49,976 to $57,861, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the occupational therapy field — employers in NE often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Kearney, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Kearney for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Kearney's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Compensation Range
The occupational therapy assistant wage spread in Kearney is $29,692 ( 59.41%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $49,976, experienced hygienists can earn up to $79,668.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$39,396
2025 BLS Actual
$48,610
2026 Current Est.
$49,976
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Kearney (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39,396 | Actual |
| 2020 | $40,765 | Actual |
| 2021 | $44,192 | Actual |
| 2022 | $45,259 | Actual |
| 2023 | $45,948 | Actual |
| 2024 | $42,014 | Actual |
| 2025 | $48,610 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49,976 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51,380 | Projected |
Entry-level occupational therapy assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Kearney, NE grew 23.4% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $39,396 in 2019 to $48,610 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $51,380. New graduates entering the Kearney job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
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 2.81% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your occupational therapy Career in Kearney
In Kearney, several employers actively hire new graduate occupational therapy assistants, predominantly skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) and rehabilitation centers that value the fresh perspectives of recent graduates. School districts also recruit COTAs, often offering flexible schedules that allow for summer breaks. While outpatient clinics may lean towards hiring more experienced candidates for specialized roles, they occasionally provide training for new grads interested in pediatric or hand-therapy areas. To enhance starting pay in Nebraska, obtaining an associate degree from an ACOTE-accredited program, passing the NBCOT national exam, and securing a state license are essential steps. As COTAs work under the supervision of licensed OTs, understanding the current regulations, including the recent 15% Medicare cut affecting service reimbursements, can inform career strategies for the first few years. Those who demonstrate competence quickly can expect sustainable salary growth and numerous pathways to advance within the profession.
More salary data for Kearney, NE:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for occupational therapy assistants in Kearney in 2026?
How fast do occupational therapy assistant salaries grow in Kearney?
Is occupational therapy school worth it in Kearney?
What do new occupational therapy assistants make right out of school in Kearney?
How do I become a occupational therapy assistant in Nebraska?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Nebraska
Written by Jordan Lee, MS, OTR/L
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience as an occupational therapist. Their specialty is working with children with developmental disorders. They have worked in various healthcare settings including schools and rehabilitation facilities.
Methodology & Data Source
Entry-level 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 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new occupational therapy graduates. A 2.81% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Kearney. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
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 2.81%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for occupational therapy assistants (SOC 31-2011).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, MS, OTR/L, a licensed occupational therapy assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov