Kearney vs Lincoln: Emergency Medical Technician Salary (2026)
Compare emergency medical technician 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 | $41,465▲ | $37,905 |
| Hourly Rate | $19.94▲ | $18.22 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,003 | $37,905▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $36,635 | $37,905▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $46,488▲ | $37,905 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $57,020▲ | $49,217 |
| Total Employed | 9 | 40▲ |
Verdict
Kearney, NE offers better overall compensation for emergency medical technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Lincoln.
The salary gap between Kearney and Lincoln is $3,560 (9.39%). Kearney's median is -11.89% compared to the US national median of $47,058.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Kearney spans $23,017,Lincoln spans $11,312. 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, Kearney ($45,317 effective) pays 9.49% more than Lincoln ($41,390 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Kearney if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($41,465/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($57,020)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $45,317)
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Choose Lincoln if…
- ✓Larger job market (40 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, emergency medical technician salaries in Kearney grew 30.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 10.6% growth in Lincoln over the same period.
Kearney, NE
$29,958 (2024) → $39,184 (2025)
Lincoln, NE
$32,373 (2024) → $35,820 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Kearney, NE
Lincoln, NE
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays emergency medical technicians more: Kearney or Lincoln?
What is the hourly rate difference between Kearney and Lincoln?
Should I relocate from Kearney to Lincoln as a emergency medical technician?
What do entry-level emergency medical technicians earn in Kearney vs Lincoln?
Written by Aisha Patel, EMT-P
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience as an emergency medical technician. She specializes in pre-hospital care and triage. Aisha works primarily in urban emergency services.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.82% 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 Patel, EMT-P, a licensed emergency medical technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov