Kearney vs Omaha: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist 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 | $60,041 | $68,563▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $28.87 | $32.96▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,715 | $53,933▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $52,580 | $63,978▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $73,641 | $81,021▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $88,041 | $88,315▲ |
| Total Employed | 9 | 380▲ |
Verdict
Omaha, NE offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Kearney.
The salary gap between Kearney and Omaha is $8,522 (14.19%). Omaha's median is +0.62% 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,Omaha spans $34,382. 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, Omaha ($74,597 effective) pays 13.68% 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…
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Choose Omaha if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($68,563/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($88,315)
- ✓Larger job market (380 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $74,597)
- ✓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 35.0% growth in Omaha over the same period.
Kearney, NE
$47,581 (2024) → $56,965 (2025)
Omaha, NE
$48,170 (2019) → $65,050 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Kearney, NE
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Kearney or Omaha?
What is the hourly rate difference between Kearney and Omaha?
Should I relocate from Kearney to Omaha as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Kearney vs Omaha?
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