Entry-Level Physician Assistant Salary in Kearney, NE: $96,838 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physician assistants entering the Kearney, NE job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $96,838 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1071, 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 $105,834 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($123,702) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the workforce as physician assistants in Kearney, NE, the starting salary in 2026 is projected to be around $96,838. This amount reflects a significant gap when compared to the median annual salary of $123,702 for all physician assistants in the area. However, there is potential for growth, with salaries for new professionals expected to rise from this entry point to approximately $113,621 in the first few years, eventually approaching the local median within a 3 to 5-year timeframe. Given the increasing demand for healthcare professionals, Kearney presents a favorable market for recent graduates looking to establish their careers in the medical field.
About the Kearney Market
Salary estimated from Nebraska average ($118,000) 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 physician assistants in Kearney, NE typically start between $96,838 and $113,621 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $72,661 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $123,702 — 11.89% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physician assistant program cost in Nebraska of $68,000 represents just 70.22% of the starting physician assistant pay ($96,838/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 ARC-PA accredited master's-level PA programs. Most PA programs run 27-30 months and include didactic and clinical rotation phases. Public in-state programs are the most affordable option; private programs in high-cost metros can approach $150k. Totals reflect tuition and program fees only; PANCE certification exam fees are separate.
PA Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Kearney
- 1Research the Kearney market: entry-level physician assistant pay ranges from $96,838 to $113,621, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the physician assistant 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.
Physician Assistant Compensation Range
The physician assistant wage spread in Kearney is $72,661 ( 75.03%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $96,838, experienced hygienists can earn up to $169,499.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$68,583
2025 BLS Actual
$93,726
2026 Current Est.
$96,838
2019–2027 Growth
+45.9%
Salary Trajectory for Physician Assistants in Kearney (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $68,583 | Actual |
| 2020 | $72,336 | Actual |
| 2021 | $73,506 | Actual |
| 2022 | $79,051 | Actual |
| 2023 | $81,371 | Actual |
| 2024 | $79,605 | Actual |
| 2025 | $93,726 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $96,838 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $100,053 | Projected |
Entry-level physician assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Kearney, NE grew 36.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $68,583 in 2019 to $93,726 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $100,053. 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 3.32% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your physician assistant Career in Kearney
Employers in Kearney offering entry-level positions for new grad physician assistants primarily include primary care facilities and urgent care clinics that feature structured onboarding processes suited for recent graduates. It's essential for aspiring PAs to consider obtaining credentials such as a master's degree from an ARC-PA accredited program, NCCPA certification (PA-C), and state licensure to enhance their starting pay. Moreover, pursuing additional qualifications in specialties could significantly elevate earning potential and career opportunities. In the first three years, newly-minted PAs can expect gradual salary increases as they build experience, particularly if they align with surgical subspecialties like orthopedics or cardiothoracic surgery, which tend to offer the most lucrative positions due to first-assist billing practices. Overall, those who actively engage in continuing education and professional development will stand a good chance of realizing a robust career trajectory in Kearney's dynamic healthcare landscape.
More salary data for Kearney, NE:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physician assistants in Kearney in 2026?
How fast do physician assistant salaries grow in Kearney?
Is physician assistant school worth it in Kearney?
What do new physician assistants make right out of school in Kearney?
How do I become a physician assistant in Nebraska?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Nebraska
Written by Jessica Tran, MPAS, PA-C
Career Analyst
Jessica has 10 years of experience as a physician assistant. Her specialty is cardiology in an outpatient setting.
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 physician assistant graduates. A 3.32% 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 3.32%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for physician assistants (SOC 29-1071).
Compiled and verified by Jessica Tran, MPAS, PA-C, a licensed physician assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov