Grand Island vs Lincoln: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Grand Island, NE and Lincoln, NE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Grand Island, NE | Lincoln, NE |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $222,294 | $227,264▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $106.87 | $109.26▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $150,578 | $198,355▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $191,240 | $198,365▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $277,706▲ | $227,264 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $318,114▲ | $231,408 |
| Total Employed | 14 | N/A |
Verdict
Grand Island and Lincoln are closely matched on overall nurse anesthetist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Grand Island and Lincoln is $4,970 (2.24%). Lincoln's median is -8.69% 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,Lincoln spans $33,053. 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, Lincoln ($248,156 effective) pays 2.15% more than Grand Island ($242,944 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Grand Island if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($318,114)
- ✓Larger job market (14 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Choose Lincoln if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($227,264/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $248,156)
- ✓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 8.0% growth in Lincoln over the same period.
Grand Island, NE
$196,489 (2024) → $211,306 (2025)
Lincoln, NE
$199,960 (2022) → $216,030 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Grand Island, NE
Lincoln, NE
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Grand Island or Lincoln?
What is the hourly rate difference between Grand Island and Lincoln?
Should I relocate from Grand Island to Lincoln as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Grand Island vs Lincoln?
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