Grand Island vs Hastings: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Grand Island, NE and Hastings, NE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Grand Island, NE | Hastings, NE |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $64,572▲ | $60,767 |
| Hourly Rate | $31.04▲ | $29.22 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,412▲ | $46,690 |
| 25th Percentile | $59,033▲ | $54,811 |
| 75th Percentile | $68,694 | $70,016▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $77,108▲ | $74,885 |
| Total Employed | 200▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Grand Island, NE offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Hastings.
The salary gap between Grand Island and Hastings is $3,805 (6.26%). Grand Island's median is -5.14% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Grand Island spans $25,696,Hastings spans $28,195. Hastings has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced licensed practical nurses.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Grand Island ($74,514 effective) pays 12.20% more than Hastings ($66,412 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Grand Island if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($64,572/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($77,108)
- ✓Larger job market (200 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $74,514)
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Choose Hastings if…
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Grand Island grew 36.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 21.5% growth in Hastings over the same period.
Grand Island, NE
$44,680 (2019) → $61,090 (2025)
Hastings, NE
$47,313 (2024) → $57,490 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Grand Island, NE
Hastings, NE
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Grand Island or Hastings?
What is the hourly rate difference between Grand Island and Hastings?
Should I relocate from Grand Island to Hastings as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Grand Island vs Hastings?
Written by Aisha Malik, LPN
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience as a licensed practical nurse. She specializes in pediatric nursing. Aisha has worked in various outpatient clinics.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.70% 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 Aisha Malik, LPN, a licensed licensed practical nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov