Grand Island vs Kearney: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Grand Island, NE and Kearney, NE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Grand Island, NE | Kearney, NE |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $130,026▲ | $120,595 |
| Hourly Rate | $62.51▲ | $57.97 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $86,919 | $98,708▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $110,785 | $111,229▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $148,265▲ | $142,074 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $176,144▲ | $155,651 |
| Total Employed | 80▲ | 9 |
Verdict
Grand Island, NE offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Kearney.
The salary gap between Grand Island and Kearney is $9,431 (7.82%). Grand Island's median is -5.00% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Grand Island spans $89,225,Kearney spans $56,943. Grand Island 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, Grand Island ($150,047 effective) pays 13.85% more than Kearney ($131,798 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Grand Island if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($130,026/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($176,144)
- ✓Larger job market (80 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $150,047)
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Choose Kearney if…
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Grand Island grew 27.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 9.3% growth in Kearney over the same period.
Grand Island, NE
$98,920 (2019) → $125,690 (2025)
Kearney, NE
$106,616 (2024) → $116,573 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Grand Island, NE
Kearney, NE
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Grand Island or Kearney?
What is the hourly rate difference between Grand Island and Kearney?
Should I relocate from Grand Island to Kearney as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Grand Island vs Kearney?
Written by Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience in adult healthcare. She works in a community health clinic. Her specialty is chronic disease management.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.45% 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 Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C, a licensed nurse practitioner with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov