Healthcare Grand Island, NE Pop. 53,131

Registered Nurse Salary in Grand Island, Nebraska

The median registered nurse salary in Grand Island, NE is $68,225 per year, which is 16% below the national median and 6.7% below the Nebraska state average.

City Median
$68,225
vs State Avg
$-4,873
vs National
$-12,995
Cost of Living
84%

Registered Nurse Pay in Grand Island: What to Expect (2026)

Grand Island offers a median registered nurse salary of $68,225, which is $4,873 below the Nebraska state average of $73,098. Compared to the national median of $81,220, 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 $68,225 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $81,220 in an average-cost city. This makes Grand Island an attractive option for registered nurses seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for registered nurses in Grand Island spans from $48,216 at the 10th percentile to $101,472 at the 90th percentile — a $53,256 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $48,720, while senior registered nurses with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $96,600. Grand Island is a smaller market (pop. 53,131), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Registered Nurse Salary in Grand Island by Experience

In Grand Island, an entry-level registered nurse earns around $48,720, while experienced professionals earn up to $96,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$48,720
$-9,280 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$68,880
$-13,120 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$96,600
$-18,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Grand Island, NE

Percentile Grand Island
10th Percentile $48,216
25th Percentile $56,112
Median (50th) $68,225
75th Percentile $84,924
90th Percentile $101,472

Registered Nurse Salary in Other Nebraska Cities

Omaha, NE
$75,535
Pop. 486,051
Bellevue, NE
$74,722
Pop. 64,176
Lincoln, NE
$73,098
Pop. 291,082
Kearney, NE
$69,849
Pop. 33,464

How to Become a Registered Nurse in Grand Island

Education

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

Key Skills

Patient AssessmentMedication AdministrationCritical ThinkingCommunicationEMR SystemsBLS/ACLS

Job Outlook

Nationally, registered nurse employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Grand Island may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Registered Nurse Jobs in Grand Island

Browse open registered nurse positions in Grand Island, NE:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Registered Nurse Salary in Grand Island

How much does a Registered Nurse make in Grand Island, NE? ▼
The median registered nurse salary in Grand Island, Nebraska is $68,225 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $81,220. Salaries range from $48,216 (10th percentile) to $101,472 (90th percentile).
How much does a Registered Nurse make per hour in Grand Island? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $68,225, a registered nurse 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 registered nurse pay? ▼
Grand Island's median registered nurse salary of $68,225 is 6.7% below the Nebraska state average of $73,098. 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 registered nurse salary of $68,225 in Grand Island has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a registered nurse in Grand Island? ▼
Most registered nurse positions in Grand Island require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Patient Assessment, Medication Administration, Critical Thinking, Communication. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.