Grand Island vs Lincoln: Financial Advisor Salary (2026)
Compare financial advisor 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 | $79,923▲ | $78,084 |
| Hourly Rate | $38.43▲ | $37.54 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,098 | $54,191▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $64,232▲ | $63,540 |
| 75th Percentile | $159,051▲ | $145,508 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $275,914 | $319,724▲ |
| Total Employed | 40 | 290▲ |
Verdict
Grand Island and Lincoln are closely matched on overall financial advisor compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Grand Island and Lincoln is $1,839 (2.36%). Grand Island's median is -26.36% compared to the US national median of $108,537.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Grand Island spans $221,816,Lincoln spans $265,533. Lincoln has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced financial advisors.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Grand Island ($92,229 effective) pays 8.17% more than Lincoln ($85,262 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 ($79,923/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $92,229)
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Choose Lincoln if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($319,724)
- ✓Larger job market (290 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, financial advisor salaries in Grand Island grew -0.3% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 8.4% growth in Lincoln over the same period.
Grand Island, NE
$77,580 (2021) → $77,370 (2025)
Lincoln, NE
$69,730 (2019) → $75,590 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Grand Island, NE
Lincoln, NE
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays financial advisors 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 financial advisor?
What do entry-level financial advisors earn in Grand Island vs Lincoln?
Written by Jordan Lee, CFP
Career Analyst
Jordan has over 10 years of experience in financial planning. They specialize in retirement planning for individuals. They work at a financial services firm in New York City.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.30% 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, CFP, a licensed financial advisor with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov