Grand Island vs Kearney: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant 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 | $146,291▲ | $123,702 |
| Hourly Rate | $70.33▲ | $59.47 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $106,843▲ | $96,838 |
| 25th Percentile | $125,172▲ | $113,621 |
| 75th Percentile | $165,746▲ | $148,459 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $173,991▲ | $169,499 |
| Total Employed | 40▲ | 9 |
Verdict
Grand Island, NE offers better overall compensation for physician assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Kearney.
The salary gap between Grand Island and Kearney is $22,589 (18.26%). 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 Grand Island spans $67,148,Kearney spans $72,661. Kearney has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced physician assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Grand Island ($168,816 effective) pays 24.87% more than Kearney ($135,193 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 ($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
Choose Kearney if…
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physician assistant salaries in Grand Island grew 27.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 15.2% growth in Kearney over the same period.
Grand Island, NE
$111,110 (2019) → $141,590 (2025)
Kearney, NE
$103,973 (2024) → $119,727 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Grand Island, NE
Kearney, NE
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants 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 physician assistant?
What do entry-level physician assistants earn in Grand Island vs Kearney?
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