Healthcare Grand Island, NE Pop. 53,131

Optometrist Salary in Grand Island, Nebraska

The median optometrist salary in Grand Island, NE is $105,496 per year, which is 16% below the national median and 6.7% below the Nebraska state average.

City Median
$105,496
vs State Avg
$-7,535
vs National
$-20,094
Cost of Living
84%

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

Grand Island offers a median optometrist salary of $105,496, which is $7,535 below the Nebraska state average of $113,031. Compared to the national median of $125,590, 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 $105,496 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $125,590 in an average-cost city. This makes Grand Island an attractive option for optometrists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for optometrists in Grand Island spans from $65,520 at the 10th percentile to $161,280 at the 90th percentile — a $95,760 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $68,880, while senior optometrists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $149,520. Grand Island is a smaller market (pop. 53,131), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Optometrist Salary in Grand Island by Experience

In Grand Island, an entry-level optometrist earns around $68,880, while experienced professionals earn up to $149,520 per year. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$68,880
$-13,120 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$107,520
$-20,480 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$149,520
$-28,480 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Grand Island, NE

Percentile Grand Island
10th Percentile $65,520
25th Percentile $84,000
Median (50th) $105,496
75th Percentile $132,720
90th Percentile $161,280

Optometrist Salary in Other Nebraska Cities

Omaha, NE
$116,799
Pop. 486,051
Bellevue, NE
$115,543
Pop. 64,176
Lincoln, NE
$113,031
Pop. 291,082
Kearney, NE
$108,007
Pop. 33,464

How to Become a Optometrist in Grand Island

Education

Most optometrist positions require a doctoral degree. Grand Island and the surrounding Nebraska area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Eye ExaminationRefractionContact Lens FittingOcular DiseasePatient EducationDiagnostic Equipment

Job Outlook

Nationally, optometrist employment is projected to grow 9% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Grand Island may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Optometrist Jobs in Grand Island

Browse open optometrist positions in Grand Island, NE:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Optometrist Salary in Grand Island

How much does a Optometrist make in Grand Island, NE? ▼
The median optometrist salary in Grand Island, Nebraska is $105,496 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $125,590. Salaries range from $65,520 (10th percentile) to $161,280 (90th percentile).
How much does a Optometrist make per hour in Grand Island? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $105,496, a optometrist in Grand Island earns approximately $51 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Grand Island compare to the Nebraska state average for optometrist pay? ▼
Grand Island's median optometrist salary of $105,496 is 6.7% below the Nebraska state average of $113,031. 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 optometrist salary of $105,496 in Grand Island has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a optometrist in Grand Island? ▼
Most optometrist positions in Grand Island require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Eye Examination, Refraction, Contact Lens Fitting, Ocular Disease. The job market is projected to grow 9% nationally over the next decade.