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

Geologist Salary in Grand Island, Nebraska

The median geologist salary in Grand Island, NE is $70,291 per year, which is 16% below the national median and 6.7% below the Nebraska state average.

City Median
$70,291
vs State Avg
$-5,021
vs National
$-13,389
Cost of Living
84%

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

Grand Island offers a median geologist salary of $70,291, which is $5,021 below the Nebraska state average of $75,312. Compared to the national median of $83,680, 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 $70,291 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $83,680 in an average-cost city. This makes Grand Island an attractive option for geologists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for geologists in Grand Island spans from $42,840 at the 10th percentile to $124,320 at the 90th percentile — a $81,480 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $45,360, while senior geologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $117,600. Grand Island is a smaller market (pop. 53,131), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Geologist Salary in Grand Island by Experience

In Grand Island, an entry-level geologist earns around $45,360, while experienced professionals earn up to $117,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$45,360
$-8,640 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$71,400
$-13,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$117,600
$-22,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Grand Island, NE

Percentile Grand Island
10th Percentile $42,840
25th Percentile $52,920
Median (50th) $70,291
75th Percentile $94,080
90th Percentile $124,320

Geologist Salary in Other Nebraska Cities

Omaha, NE
$77,822
Pop. 486,051
Bellevue, NE
$76,986
Pop. 64,176
Lincoln, NE
$75,312
Pop. 291,082
Kearney, NE
$71,965
Pop. 33,464

How to Become a Geologist in Grand Island

Education

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

Key Skills

Field GeologyGISRock AnalysisStratigraphyEnvironmental AssessmentTechnical Writing

Job Outlook

Nationally, geologist 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 Geologist Jobs in Grand Island

Browse open geologist positions in Grand Island, NE:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Geologist Salary in Grand Island

How much does a Geologist make in Grand Island, NE? ▼
The median geologist salary in Grand Island, Nebraska is $70,291 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $83,680. Salaries range from $42,840 (10th percentile) to $124,320 (90th percentile).
How much does a Geologist make per hour in Grand Island? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $70,291, a geologist in Grand Island earns approximately $34 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Grand Island compare to the Nebraska state average for geologist pay? ▼
Grand Island's median geologist salary of $70,291 is 6.7% below the Nebraska state average of $75,312. 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 geologist salary of $70,291 in Grand Island has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a geologist in Grand Island? ▼
Most geologist positions in Grand Island require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Field Geology, GIS, Rock Analysis, Stratigraphy. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.