Kearney vs Lincoln: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist 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 | $60,041 | $68,626▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $28.87 | $32.99▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,715 | $56,494▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $52,580 | $64,347▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $73,641▲ | $72,557 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $88,041▲ | $80,009 |
| Total Employed | 9 | 160▲ |
Verdict
Lincoln, NE offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Kearney.
The salary gap between Kearney and Lincoln is $8,585 (14.30%). Lincoln's median is +0.71% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Kearney spans $42,326,Lincoln spans $23,515. 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, Lincoln ($74,935 effective) pays 14.20% more than Kearney ($65,619 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Kearney if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($88,041)
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Choose Lincoln if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($68,626/year)
- ✓Larger job market (160 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $74,935)
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Kearney grew 19.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 36.3% growth in Lincoln over the same period.
Kearney, NE
$47,581 (2024) → $56,965 (2025)
Lincoln, NE
$47,780 (2019) → $65,110 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Kearney, NE
Lincoln, NE
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Kearney or Lincoln?
What is the hourly rate difference between Kearney and Lincoln?
Should I relocate from Kearney to Lincoln as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Kearney vs Lincoln?
Written by Jessica Thompson, BA, CST
Career Analyst
Jessica has over 10 years of experience as a surgical technologist. She specializes in orthopedic surgical procedures. Jessica works at a community hospital.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.40% 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 Jessica Thompson, BA, CST, a licensed surgical technologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov