Science & Research Grand Island, NE Pop. 53,131

Chemist Salary in Grand Island, Nebraska

The median chemist salary in Grand Island, NE is $69,544 per year, which is 16% below the national median and 6.7% below the Nebraska state average.

City Median
$69,544
vs State Avg
$-4,967
vs National
$-13,246
Cost of Living
84%

Chemist Pay in Grand Island: What to Expect (2026)

Grand Island offers a median chemist salary of $69,544, which is $4,967 below the Nebraska state average of $74,511. Compared to the national median of $82,790, Grand Island pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Grand Island's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 84% of the national average. This means the $69,544 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $82,790 in an average-cost city. This makes Grand Island an attractive option for chemists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for chemists in Grand Island spans from $40,320 at the 10th percentile to $119,280 at the 90th percentile — a $78,960 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $42,000, while senior chemists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $113,400. Grand Island is a smaller market (pop. 53,131), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Chemist Salary in Grand Island by Experience

In Grand Island, an entry-level chemist earns around $42,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $113,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$42,000
$-8,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$70,560
$-13,440 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$113,400
$-21,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Grand Island, NE

Percentile Grand Island
10th Percentile $40,320
25th Percentile $52,080
Median (50th) $69,544
75th Percentile $91,560
90th Percentile $119,280

Chemist Salary in Other Nebraska Cities

Omaha, NE
$76,995
Pop. 486,051
Bellevue, NE
$76,167
Pop. 64,176
Lincoln, NE
$74,511
Pop. 291,082
Kearney, NE
$71,199
Pop. 33,464

How to Become a Chemist in Grand Island

Education

Most chemist positions require a bachelor's degree. Grand Island and the surrounding Nebraska area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Analytical ChemistryLab TechniquesSpectroscopyHPLCQuality ControlResearch Methods

Job Outlook

Nationally, chemist employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Grand Island may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Chemist Jobs in Grand Island

Browse open chemist positions in Grand Island, NE:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Chemist Salary in Grand Island

How much does a Chemist make in Grand Island, NE? ▼
The median chemist salary in Grand Island, Nebraska is $69,544 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $82,790. Salaries range from $40,320 (10th percentile) to $119,280 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chemist make per hour in Grand Island? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $69,544, a chemist in Grand Island earns approximately $33 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Grand Island compare to the Nebraska state average for chemist pay? ▼
Grand Island's median chemist salary of $69,544 is 6.7% below the Nebraska state average of $74,511. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Grand Island, NE? ▼
Grand Island has a cost of living index of 84% compared to the national average. This means a chemist salary of $69,544 in Grand Island has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a chemist in Grand Island? ▼
Most chemist positions in Grand Island require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Analytical Chemistry, Lab Techniques, Spectroscopy, HPLC. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.