Grand Island vs Lincoln: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist assistant 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 | $62,542▲ | $60,251 |
| Hourly Rate | $30.07▲ | $28.97 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,776▲ | $47,708 |
| 25th Percentile | $54,848▲ | $52,115 |
| 75th Percentile | $63,282 | $68,038▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $70,997 | $78,034▲ |
| Total Employed | 60 | 170▲ |
Verdict
Grand Island and Lincoln are closely matched on overall physical therapist assistant compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Grand Island and Lincoln is $2,291 (3.80%). Grand Island's median is -10.97% compared to the US national median of $70,247.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Grand Island spans $16,221,Lincoln spans $30,326. Lincoln has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced physical therapist assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Grand Island ($72,172 effective) pays 9.70% more than Lincoln ($65,790 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 ($62,542/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $72,172)
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Choose Lincoln if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($78,034)
- ✓Larger job market (170 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist assistant salaries in Grand Island grew 20.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 8.6% growth in Lincoln over the same period.
Grand Island, NE
$50,520 (2019) → $60,880 (2025)
Lincoln, NE
$53,990 (2019) → $58,650 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Grand Island, NE
Lincoln, NE
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapist assistants 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 physical therapist assistant?
What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in Grand Island vs Lincoln?
Written by Jordan Lee, DPT
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience in outpatient physical therapy. They specialize in orthopedic rehabilitation. Jordan works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.73% 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 Lee, DPT, a licensed physical therapist assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov