Public Service Grand Island, NE Pop. 53,131

Firefighter Salary in Grand Island, Nebraska

The median firefighter salary in Grand Island, NE is $43,411 per year, which is 16% below the national median and 6.7% below the Nebraska state average.

City Median
$43,411
vs State Avg
$-3,101
vs National
$-8,269
Cost of Living
84%

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

Grand Island offers a median firefighter salary of $43,411, which is $3,101 below the Nebraska state average of $46,512. Compared to the national median of $51,680, 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 $43,411 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $51,680 in an average-cost city. This makes Grand Island an attractive option for firefighters seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for firefighters in Grand Island spans from $24,864 at the 10th percentile to $77,952 at the 90th percentile — a $53,088 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $26,880, while senior firefighters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $68,880. Grand Island is a smaller market (pop. 53,131), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Firefighter Salary in Grand Island by Experience

In Grand Island, an entry-level firefighter earns around $26,880, while experienced professionals earn up to $68,880 per year. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$26,880
$-5,120 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$43,680
$-8,320 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$68,880
$-13,120 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Grand Island, NE

Percentile Grand Island
10th Percentile $24,864
25th Percentile $32,424
Median (50th) $43,411
75th Percentile $59,808
90th Percentile $77,952

Firefighter Salary in Other Nebraska Cities

Omaha, NE
$48,062
Pop. 486,051
Bellevue, NE
$47,546
Pop. 64,176
Lincoln, NE
$46,512
Pop. 291,082
Kearney, NE
$44,445
Pop. 33,464

How to Become a Firefighter in Grand Island

Education

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

Key Skills

FirefightingEmergency MedicalHazmatPhysical FitnessTeamworkEquipment Operation

Job Outlook

Nationally, firefighter employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Grand Island may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Firefighter Jobs in Grand Island

Browse open firefighter positions in Grand Island, NE:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Firefighter Salary in Grand Island

How much does a Firefighter make in Grand Island, NE? ▼
The median firefighter salary in Grand Island, Nebraska is $43,411 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $51,680. Salaries range from $24,864 (10th percentile) to $77,952 (90th percentile).
How much does a Firefighter make per hour in Grand Island? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $43,411, a firefighter in Grand Island earns approximately $21 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Grand Island compare to the Nebraska state average for firefighter pay? ▼
Grand Island's median firefighter salary of $43,411 is 6.7% below the Nebraska state average of $46,512. 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 firefighter salary of $43,411 in Grand Island has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a firefighter in Grand Island? ▼
Most firefighter positions in Grand Island require a postsecondary nondegree award. Key skills include Firefighting, Emergency Medical, Hazmat, Physical Fitness. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.