Creative & Education Grand Island, NE Pop. 53,131

Social Worker Salary in Grand Island, Nebraska

The median social worker salary in Grand Island, NE is $46,494 per year, which is 16% below the national median and 6.7% below the Nebraska state average.

City Median
$46,494
vs State Avg
$-3,321
vs National
$-8,856
Cost of Living
84%

Social Worker Pay in Grand Island: What to Expect (2026)

Grand Island offers a median social worker salary of $46,494, which is $3,321 below the Nebraska state average of $49,815. Compared to the national median of $55,350, 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 $46,494 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $55,350 in an average-cost city. This makes Grand Island an attractive option for social workers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for social workers in Grand Island spans from $30,576 at the 10th percentile to $73,752 at the 90th percentile — a $43,176 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $31,920, while senior social workers 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.

Social Worker Salary in Grand Island by Experience

In Grand Island, an entry-level social worker earns around $31,920, 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)
$31,920
$-6,080 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$47,040
$-8,960 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$68,880
$-13,120 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Grand Island, NE

Percentile Grand Island
10th Percentile $30,576
25th Percentile $37,128
Median (50th) $46,494
75th Percentile $59,136
90th Percentile $73,752

Social Worker Salary in Other Nebraska Cities

Omaha, NE
$51,476
Pop. 486,051
Bellevue, NE
$50,922
Pop. 64,176
Lincoln, NE
$49,815
Pop. 291,082
Kearney, NE
$47,601
Pop. 33,464

How to Become a Social Worker in Grand Island

Education

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

Key Skills

Case ManagementCounselingCrisis InterventionCommunity ResourcesAdvocacyDocumentation

Job Outlook

Nationally, social worker employment is projected to grow 7% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Grand Island may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Social Worker Jobs in Grand Island

Browse open social worker positions in Grand Island, NE:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Social Worker Salary in Grand Island

How much does a Social Worker make in Grand Island, NE? ▼
The median social worker salary in Grand Island, Nebraska is $46,494 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $55,350. Salaries range from $30,576 (10th percentile) to $73,752 (90th percentile).
How much does a Social Worker make per hour in Grand Island? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $46,494, a social worker in Grand Island earns approximately $22 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Grand Island compare to the Nebraska state average for social worker pay? ▼
Grand Island's median social worker salary of $46,494 is 6.7% below the Nebraska state average of $49,815. 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 social worker salary of $46,494 in Grand Island has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a social worker in Grand Island? ▼
Most social worker positions in Grand Island require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Case Management, Counseling, Crisis Intervention, Community Resources. The job market is projected to grow 7% nationally over the next decade.