Lincoln vs Omaha: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant salaries between Lincoln, NE and Omaha, NE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lincoln, NE | Omaha, NE |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $132,301 | $138,583▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $63.60 | $66.63▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $97,172 | $110,232▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $109,147 | $125,337▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $140,340 | $153,017▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $167,368 | $173,991▲ |
| Total Employed | 290 | 720▲ |
Verdict
Omaha, NE offers better overall compensation for physician assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Lincoln.
The salary gap between Lincoln and Omaha is $6,282 (4.75%). Omaha's median is -1.29% compared to the US national median of $140,391.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lincoln spans $70,196,Omaha spans $63,759. Lincoln 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, Omaha ($150,780 effective) pays 4.37% more than Lincoln ($144,463 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lincoln if…
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Choose Omaha if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($138,583/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($173,991)
- ✓Larger job market (720 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $150,780)
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physician assistant salaries in Lincoln grew 24.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 25.9% growth in Omaha over the same period.
Lincoln, NE
$102,900 (2019) → $128,050 (2025)
Omaha, NE
$106,540 (2019) → $134,130 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lincoln, NE
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: Lincoln or Omaha?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lincoln and Omaha?
Should I relocate from Lincoln to Omaha as a physician assistant?
What do entry-level physician assistants earn in Lincoln vs Omaha?
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