Personal Care & Fitness Grand Island, NE Pop. 53,131

Cosmetologist Salary in Grand Island, Nebraska

The median cosmetologist salary in Grand Island, NE is $29,467 per year, which is 16% below the national median and 6.7% below the Nebraska state average.

City Median
$29,467
vs State Avg
$-2,105
vs National
$-5,613
Cost of Living
84%

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

Grand Island offers a median cosmetologist salary of $29,467, which is $2,105 below the Nebraska state average of $31,572. Compared to the national median of $35,080, 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 $29,467 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $35,080 in an average-cost city. This makes Grand Island an attractive option for cosmetologists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for cosmetologists in Grand Island spans from $18,480 at the 10th percentile to $48,720 at the 90th percentile — a $30,240 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $20,160, while senior cosmetologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $46,200. Grand Island is a smaller market (pop. 53,131), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Cosmetologist Salary in Grand Island by Experience

In Grand Island, an entry-level cosmetologist earns around $20,160, while experienced professionals earn up to $46,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$20,160
$-3,840 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$30,240
$-5,760 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$46,200
$-8,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Grand Island, NE

Percentile Grand Island
10th Percentile $18,480
25th Percentile $22,680
Median (50th) $29,467
75th Percentile $38,640
90th Percentile $48,720

Cosmetologist Salary in Other Nebraska Cities

Omaha, NE
$32,624
Pop. 486,051
Bellevue, NE
$32,274
Pop. 64,176
Lincoln, NE
$31,572
Pop. 291,082
Kearney, NE
$30,169
Pop. 33,464

How to Become a Cosmetologist in Grand Island

Education

Most cosmetologist positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Grand Island and the surrounding Nebraska area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Hair StylingColor TheorySkincareMakeup ApplicationClient RelationsSanitation

Job Outlook

Nationally, cosmetologist employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Grand Island may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Cosmetologist Jobs in Grand Island

Browse open cosmetologist positions in Grand Island, NE:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Cosmetologist Salary in Grand Island

How much does a Cosmetologist make in Grand Island, NE? ▼
The median cosmetologist salary in Grand Island, Nebraska is $29,467 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $35,080. Salaries range from $18,480 (10th percentile) to $48,720 (90th percentile).
How much does a Cosmetologist make per hour in Grand Island? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $29,467, a cosmetologist in Grand Island earns approximately $14 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Grand Island compare to the Nebraska state average for cosmetologist pay? ▼
Grand Island's median cosmetologist salary of $29,467 is 6.7% below the Nebraska state average of $31,572. 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 cosmetologist salary of $29,467 in Grand Island has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a cosmetologist in Grand Island? ▼
Most cosmetologist positions in Grand Island require a postsecondary nondegree award. Key skills include Hair Styling, Color Theory, Skincare, Makeup Application. The job market is projected to grow 8% nationally over the next decade.