Grand Island vs Lincoln: Occupational Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapist salaries between Grand Island, NE and Lincoln, NE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Grand Island, NE | Lincoln, NE |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $89,858 | $99,267▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $43.20 | $47.73▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,649 | $69,545▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $76,481 | $80,284▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $98,598 | $108,337▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $105,018 | $136,524▲ |
| Total Employed | 60 | 250▲ |
Verdict
Lincoln, NE offers better overall compensation for occupational therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Grand Island.
The salary gap between Grand Island and Lincoln is $9,409 (10.47%). Lincoln's median is -4.00% compared to the US national median of $103,400.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Grand Island spans $38,369,Lincoln spans $66,979. Lincoln has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced occupational therapists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Lincoln ($108,393 effective) pays 4.53% more than Grand Island ($103,694 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Grand Island if…
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Choose Lincoln if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($99,267/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($136,524)
- ✓Larger job market (250 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $108,393)
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapist salaries in Grand Island grew 22.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 20.7% growth in Lincoln over the same period.
Grand Island, NE
$71,230 (2019) → $87,190 (2025)
Lincoln, NE
$79,830 (2019) → $96,320 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Grand Island, NE
Lincoln, NE
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapists more: Grand Island or Lincoln?
What is the hourly rate difference between Grand Island and Lincoln?
Should I relocate from Grand Island to Lincoln as a occupational therapist?
What do entry-level occupational therapists earn in Grand Island vs Lincoln?
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