Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Kearney, NE: $89,304 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time ultrasound technologist in Kearney, NE earns a median $89,304/year (≈ $42.94/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Once you factor in Kearney's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.5), that paycheck buys what $97,600 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.7% below the Nebraska state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Kearney, Nebraska, the projected compensation for ultrasound technologists in 2026 reflects a median annual salary of $89,304. This figure sits below the national median of $101,352, illustrating a difference of 11.89%. The local salary range is from $67,218 at the 10th percentile to $117,083 at the 90th percentile, suggesting diverse earning potential based on experience, certifications, and specialized skills. Given that there are currently only nine ultrasound technologists employed in the area, the job market appears to be relatively limited, which can influence both employment opportunities and salary negotiations for professionals entering this field.
About the Kearney Market
Salary estimated from Nebraska average ($76,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $67,218 | $32.32 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $77,006 | $37.02 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $89,304 | $42.94 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $98,404 | $47.31 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $117,083 | $56.29 |
Median Salary Position
11.89% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Kearney
In Kearney, NE, the ultrasound technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $49,865 (2026 est.). At $89,304, the local median is 11.89% below the national median of $101,352.
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At 40 hours/week in Kearney: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Kearney Ultrasound Technologist Pay Compares
Kearney median: $89,304/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Kearney Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Nebraska Average | $92,735 | -3.70% less |
| National Average | $101,352 | -11.89% less |
Ultrasound Technologists in Kearney, NE earn a median of $89,304 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.89% lower than the national median of $101,352 and 3.70% below the Nebraska state average of $92,735.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Kearney has a cost of living 8.50% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Kearney, NE has a cost-of-living index of 91.5 (below the national average of 100). A ultrasound technologist earning $89,304 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $97,600 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.29% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$65,485
2025 BLS Actual
$85,108
2026 Current Est.
$89,304
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Kearney (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $65,485 | Actual |
| 2020 | $66,895 | Actual |
| 2021 | $68,499 | Actual |
| 2022 | $71,680 | Actual |
| 2023 | $74,429 | Actual |
| 2024 | $66,965 | Actual |
| 2025 | $85,108 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $89,304 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $93,707 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Kearney metropolitan area, the median ultrasound technologist salary grew 30.0% from $65,485 (2019) to $85,108 (2025). At a 4.93% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $93,707 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,222 (43.10%) from 2019.
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 4.93% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $67,218 – $77,006 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $77,006 – $89,304 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $89,304 – $98,404 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $98,404 – $117,083 |
Ultrasound Tech salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual ultrasound technologist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Ultrasound Technologist Job Market in Kearney
The disparity in ultrasound technologist pay in Kearney, NE, can be attributed to several factors, including employer type and employee qualifications. The local cost of living index stands at 91.5, meaning that purchasing power is generally favorable compared to national averages. Larger healthcare organizations and specialized clinics often offer more competitive salaries than private practices and community health centers, primarily because of their extensive benefits packages and a higher demand for advanced skills. Maximizing earning potential in this local market could involve pursuing specialty credentials and seeking opportunities with larger healthcare systems that value advanced expertise. Understanding these local market dynamics is essential for professionals considering their career paths in ultrasound technology.
More salary data for Kearney, NE:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can ultrasound technologists make $100K in Kearney?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted ultrasound technologist salary in Kearney?
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Written by Ravi Patel, RDMS, RVT
Career Analyst
Ravi has 10 years of experience as an ultrasound technologist. He specializes in abdominal and pelvic imaging. He works in a community hospital.
Methodology & Data Source
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $85,108 for ultrasound technologistsin the Kearney metropolitan area. A 4.93% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
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 4.93%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for ultrasound technologists (SOC 29-2032).
Compiled and verified by Ravi Patel, RDMS, RVT, a licensed ultrasound technologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov