Fremont vs Grand Island: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant salaries between Fremont, NE and Grand Island, NE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fremont, NE | Grand Island, NE |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $124,649 | $146,291▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $59.93 | $70.33▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $89,388 | $106,843▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $112,875 | $125,172▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $150,717 | $165,746▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $172,634 | $173,991▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 40▲ |
Verdict
Grand Island, NE offers better overall compensation for physician assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Fremont.
The salary gap between Fremont and Grand Island is $21,642 (17.36%). Grand Island's median is +4.20% compared to the US national median of $140,391.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fremont spans $83,246,Grand Island spans $67,148. Fremont 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 ($168,816 effective) pays 23.92% more than Fremont ($136,228 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fremont if…
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Choose Grand Island if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($146,291/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($173,991)
- ✓Larger job market (40 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $168,816)
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physician assistant salaries in Fremont grew 15.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 27.4% growth in Grand Island over the same period.
Fremont, NE
$104,769 (2024) → $120,644 (2025)
Grand Island, NE
$111,110 (2019) → $141,590 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fremont, NE
Grand Island, NE
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: Fremont or Grand Island?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fremont and Grand Island?
Should I relocate from Fremont to Grand Island as a physician assistant?
What do entry-level physician assistants earn in Fremont vs Grand Island?
Written by Jessica Tran, MPAS, PA-C
Career Analyst
Jessica has 10 years of experience as a physician assistant. Her specialty is cardiology in an outpatient setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.32% 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 Jessica Tran, MPAS, PA-C, a licensed physician assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov