Grand Island vs Scottsbluff: Occupational Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapist salaries between Grand Island, NE and Scottsbluff, NE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Grand Island, NE | Scottsbluff, NE |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $89,858 | $90,795▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $43.20 | $43.66▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,649▲ | $65,920 |
| 25th Percentile | $76,481 | $79,680▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $98,598 | $101,094▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $105,018 | $109,562▲ |
| Total Employed | 60▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Scottsbluff, NE offers better overall compensation for occupational therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Grand Island.
The salary gap between Grand Island and Scottsbluff is $937 (1.04%). Scottsbluff's median is -12.19% 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,Scottsbluff spans $43,642. Scottsbluff 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, Grand Island ($103,694 effective) pays 4.50% more than Scottsbluff ($99,230 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Grand Island if…
- ✓Larger job market (60 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $103,694)
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Choose Scottsbluff if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($90,795/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($109,562)
- ✓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 19.4% growth in Scottsbluff over the same period.
Grand Island, NE
$71,230 (2019) → $87,190 (2025)
Scottsbluff, NE
$73,760 (2024) → $88,099 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Grand Island, NE
Scottsbluff, NE
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapists more: Grand Island or Scottsbluff?
What is the hourly rate difference between Grand Island and Scottsbluff?
Should I relocate from Grand Island to Scottsbluff as a occupational therapist?
What do entry-level occupational therapists earn in Grand Island vs Scottsbluff?
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