Grand Island vs Kearney: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist 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 | $222,294▲ | $219,305 |
| Hourly Rate | $106.87▲ | $105.43 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $150,578 | $154,682▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $191,240 | $198,255▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $277,706▲ | $271,261 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $318,114▲ | $307,859 |
| Total Employed | 14▲ | 9 |
Verdict
Grand Island, NE offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Kearney.
The salary gap between Grand Island and Kearney is $2,989 (1.36%). Grand Island's median is -10.69% compared to the US national median of $248,893.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Grand Island spans $167,536,Kearney spans $153,177. 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 ($242,944 effective) pays 1.36% more than Kearney ($239,678 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 ($222,294/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($318,114)
- ✓Larger job market (14 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $242,944)
- ✓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 anesthetist salaries in Grand Island grew 7.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 7.5% growth in Kearney over the same period.
Grand Island, NE
$196,489 (2024) → $211,306 (2025)
Kearney, NE
$193,847 (2024) → $208,465 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Grand Island, NE
Kearney, NE
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists 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 anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Grand Island vs Kearney?
Written by Alexandra Johnson, MSN, CRNA
Career Analyst
Alexandra Johnson has 10 years of experience as a nurse anesthetist. She specializes in anesthesia for orthopedic surgeries. She works in a regional medical center.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.20% 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 Alexandra Johnson, MSN, CRNA, a licensed nurse anesthetist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov