Fremont vs Grand Island: Occupational Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapist salaries between Fremont, NE and Grand Island, NE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fremont, NE | Grand Island, NE |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $91,806▲ | $89,858 |
| Hourly Rate | $44.14▲ | $43.20 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,242 | $66,649▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $77,012▲ | $76,481 |
| 75th Percentile | $107,032▲ | $98,598 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $119,561▲ | $105,018 |
| Total Employed | 4 | 60▲ |
Verdict
Fremont, NE offers better overall compensation for occupational therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Grand Island.
The salary gap between Fremont and Grand Island is $1,948 (2.17%). Fremont's median is -11.21% compared to the US national median of $103,400.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fremont spans $55,319,Grand Island spans $38,369. Fremont has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Grand Island ($103,694 effective) pays 3.35% more than Fremont ($100,334 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fremont if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($91,806/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($119,561)
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Choose Grand Island if…
- ✓Larger job market (60 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $103,694)
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapist salaries in Fremont grew 19.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 22.4% growth in Grand Island over the same period.
Fremont, NE
$74,581 (2024) → $89,080 (2025)
Grand Island, NE
$71,230 (2019) → $87,190 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fremont, NE
Grand Island, NE
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapists more: Fremont or Grand Island?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fremont and Grand Island?
Should I relocate from Fremont to Grand Island as a occupational therapist?
What do entry-level occupational therapists earn in Fremont vs Grand Island?
Written by Jordan Miller, OTR/L
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience in occupational therapy. They specialize in pediatrics and work in a rehabilitation clinic.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.06% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Miller, OTR/L, a licensed occupational therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov