Healthcare Grand Island, NE Pop. 53,131

Veterinarian Salary in Grand Island, Nebraska

The median veterinarian salary in Grand Island, NE is $86,738 per year, which is 16% below the national median and 6.7% below the Nebraska state average.

City Median
$86,738
vs State Avg
$-6,196
vs National
$-16,522
Cost of Living
84%

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

Grand Island offers a median veterinarian salary of $86,738, which is $6,196 below the Nebraska state average of $92,934. Compared to the national median of $103,260, 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 $86,738 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $103,260 in an average-cost city. This makes Grand Island an attractive option for veterinarians seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for veterinarians in Grand Island spans from $54,768 at the 10th percentile to $146,328 at the 90th percentile — a $91,560 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $57,120, while senior veterinarians with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $130,200. Grand Island is a smaller market (pop. 53,131), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Veterinarian Salary in Grand Island by Experience

In Grand Island, an entry-level veterinarian earns around $57,120, while experienced professionals earn up to $130,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$57,120
$-10,880 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$88,200
$-16,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$130,200
$-24,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Grand Island, NE

Percentile Grand Island
10th Percentile $54,768
25th Percentile $67,536
Median (50th) $86,738
75th Percentile $112,896
90th Percentile $146,328

Veterinarian Salary in Other Nebraska Cities

Omaha, NE
$96,032
Pop. 486,051
Bellevue, NE
$94,999
Pop. 64,176
Lincoln, NE
$92,934
Pop. 291,082
Kearney, NE
$88,804
Pop. 33,464

How to Become a Veterinarian in Grand Island

Education

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

Key Skills

DiagnosisSurgeryPharmacologyAnimal HandlingClient CommunicationRadiology

Job Outlook

Nationally, veterinarian employment is projected to grow 19% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Grand Island may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Veterinarian Jobs in Grand Island

Browse open veterinarian positions in Grand Island, NE:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Veterinarian Salary in Grand Island

How much does a Veterinarian make in Grand Island, NE? ▼
The median veterinarian salary in Grand Island, Nebraska is $86,738 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $103,260. Salaries range from $54,768 (10th percentile) to $146,328 (90th percentile).
How much does a Veterinarian make per hour in Grand Island? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $86,738, a veterinarian in Grand Island earns approximately $42 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Grand Island compare to the Nebraska state average for veterinarian pay? ▼
Grand Island's median veterinarian salary of $86,738 is 6.7% below the Nebraska state average of $92,934. 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 veterinarian salary of $86,738 in Grand Island has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a veterinarian in Grand Island? ▼
Most veterinarian positions in Grand Island require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Diagnosis, Surgery, Pharmacology, Animal Handling. The job market is projected to grow 19% nationally over the next decade.