Salaries in Grand Island, NE
What every job actually pays — cost-of-living adjusted
Updated: February 2026 · 27 occupations · BLS + Census data
Here’s a secret about Grand Island’s job market that most outsiders miss: you can make a six-figure salary as a software developer here and live like a king. The city’s median household income sits at a modest $62,439, but the cost of living is 13% below the national average. That gap creates some wild opportunities.
Let’s talk real purchasing power. With a Cost of Living Index of 87.3, your dollar works harder here. Take that software developer salary of $122,411—it adjusts to a purchasing power equivalent of over $140,000 on the national scale. Even the average salary of $54,835 feels more like $62,812 when you’re paying $829 for a one-bedroom apartment. It’s not just cheap; it’s a strategic advantage.
Grand Island’s economy runs on healthcare, agriculture, and transportation logistics. You’ll find major employers like CHI Health St. Francis and JBS USA anchoring the region. The low 2.4% unemployment rate means employers are competing for talent, but the educational attainment rate of 20.7% with a bachelor’s degree or higher suggests there’s room for skilled workers to stand out.
Here’s my honest take: wages here aren’t skyrocketing, but they’re stable, and the cost of living isn’t exploding like it is in bigger cities. For a nurse, teacher, or electrician, this place offers a financially sane life. For remote tech workers, it’s a goldmine. The catch? If you’re chasing extreme career growth or a bustling urban vibe, you might feel boxed in.
The data below breaks down exactly who thrives here and what your paycheck could look like.
🏆 Top 5 Highest-Paying Jobs in Grand Island
Ranked by raw salary. See COL-adjusted figures in the full table below.
Software Developer
Accountant
Registered Nurse
Elementary School Teacher
Electrician
📋 Complete Salary Guide — All 27 Occupations in Grand Island
COL-Adjusted Salary = Raw salary divided by the cost of living index (87/100). Higher = more real purchasing power. This city's COL is below the US average.
| # | Occupation ↕ | Raw Salary ↕ |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Software Developer | $122,411 |
| 2 | Accountant | $82,800 |
| 3 | Registered Nurse | $82,790 |
| 4 | Elementary School Teacher | $61,244 |
| 5 | Electrician | $59,204 |
| 6 | Real Estate Agent | $59,137 |
| 7 | Heavy Truck Driver | $51,067 |
| 8 | Medical Assistant | $48,095 |
| 9 | Paralegal | $48,095 |
| 10 | Welder | $48,095 |
| 11 | Firefighter | $48,095 |
| 12 | Project Manager | $48,095 |
| 13 | Graphic Designer | $48,095 |
| 14 | Data Analyst | $48,095 |
| 15 | Police Officer | $48,095 |
| 16 | Plumber | $48,095 |
| 17 | Dental Hygienist | $48,095 |
| 18 | Human Resources Specialist | $48,095 |
| 19 | Physical Therapist | $48,095 |
| 20 | Financial Analyst | $48,095 |
| 21 | Carpenter | $48,095 |
| 22 | Pharmacist | $48,095 |
| 23 | HVAC Technician | $48,095 |
| 24 | Web Developer | $48,095 |
| 25 | Construction Manager | $48,095 |
| 26 | Marketing Manager | $48,095 |
| 27 | Nursing Assistant (CNA) | $48,095 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics. COL Index from C2ER/ACCRA.
🏙️ Living Costs in Grand Island
🧮 Can You Afford to Live in Grand Island?
Use our Salary Reality Check to see if your specific income covers housing, taxes, and expenses in Grand Island. Enter your salary and see exactly how far your money goes.
❓ Grand Island Salary FAQ
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📝 Editor's Verdict: Is Grand Island Worth It?
Here’s my honest verdict: Grand Island is a solid financial bet if you’re in tech. Software developers here earn $122k, and with our low cost of living (COL index 87.3, rent around $829), that salary feels like $140k elsewhere. For everyone else, the $54,835 average won’t stretch as far as you’d hope—healthcare and trades pay decently, but they don’t get the same COL boost. If you’re a developer, moving here is a no-brainer; you’ll bank serious cash. For other fields, it’s fine, but not a gold rush. My advice? If you’re considering the move, negotiate hard—your salary goes far here, but make sure it’s enough to make the jump worth it.