Grand Island vs Kearney: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Grand Island, NE and Kearney, NE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Grand Island, NE | Kearney, NE |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $75,966▲ | $69,205 |
| Hourly Rate | $36.52▲ | $33.27 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $60,043▲ | $46,473 |
| 25th Percentile | $65,103▲ | $55,830 |
| 75th Percentile | $89,827▲ | $88,091 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $90,981 | $102,224▲ |
| Total Employed | 190▲ | 9 |
Verdict
Grand Island, NE offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Kearney.
The salary gap between Grand Island and Kearney is $6,761 (9.77%). Grand Island's median is -3.28% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Grand Island spans $30,938,Kearney spans $55,751. Kearney has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced police officers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Grand Island ($87,663 effective) pays 15.90% more than Kearney ($75,634 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 ($75,966/year)
- ✓Larger job market (190 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $87,663)
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Choose Kearney if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($102,224)
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Grand Island grew 20.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 22.9% growth in Kearney over the same period.
Grand Island, NE
$60,990 (2019) → $73,710 (2025)
Kearney, NE
$54,630 (2024) → $67,150 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Grand Island, NE
Kearney, NE
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Grand Island or Kearney?
What is the hourly rate difference between Grand Island and Kearney?
Should I relocate from Grand Island to Kearney as a police officer?
What do entry-level police officers earn in Grand Island vs Kearney?
Written by Jordan Lee, BA Criminal Justice
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has over 10 years of experience in law enforcement. They specialize in community policing strategies. Jordan works with a municipal police department.
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 Lee, BA Criminal Justice, a licensed police officer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov