Grand Island vs Lincoln: Real Estate Agent Salary (2026)
Compare real estate agent 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 | $47,892 | $58,860▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $23.02 | $28.30▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $30,903 | $47,776▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $35,651 | $47,776▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $61,302 | $81,931▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $74,232 | $90,244▲ |
| Total Employed | 14 | 290▲ |
Verdict
Lincoln, NE offers better overall compensation for real estate agents, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Grand Island.
The salary gap between Grand Island and Lincoln is $10,968 (22.90%). Lincoln's median is +9.77% compared to the US national median of $53,622.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Grand Island spans $43,329,Lincoln spans $42,468. Grand Island has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Lincoln ($64,271 effective) pays 22.79% more than Grand Island ($52,341 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 ($58,860/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($90,244)
- ✓Larger job market (290 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $64,271)
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, real estate agent salaries in Grand Island grew -14.8% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 53.9% growth in Lincoln over the same period.
Grand Island, NE
$55,370 (2020) → $47,184 (2025)
Lincoln, NE
$37,680 (2019) → $57,990 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Grand Island, NE
Lincoln, NE
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays real estate agents 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 real estate agent?
What do entry-level real estate agents earn in Grand Island vs Lincoln?
Written by Maria Gonzalez, REALTOR®
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience as a real estate agent. She specializes in residential properties. She works with a large brokerage in Texas.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 1.50% 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 Maria Gonzalez, REALTOR®, a licensed real estate agent with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov