Grand Island vs Hastings: Pharmacist Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacist 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 | $136,982▲ | $128,092 |
| Hourly Rate | $65.85▲ | $61.59 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $85,232 | $89,475▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $132,491▲ | $115,801 |
| 75th Percentile | $157,847▲ | $143,544 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $176,023▲ | $150,499 |
| Total Employed | 70▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Grand Island, NE offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Hastings.
The salary gap between Grand Island and Hastings is $8,890 (6.94%). Grand Island's median is -4.53% compared to the US national median of $143,489.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Grand Island spans $90,791,Hastings spans $61,024. 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, Grand Island ($158,074 effective) pays 12.92% more than Hastings ($139,991 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 ($136,982/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($176,023)
- ✓Larger job market (70 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $158,074)
- ✓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, pharmacist salaries in Grand Island grew 1.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 8.4% growth in Hastings over the same period.
Grand Island, NE
$132,360 (2019) → $134,520 (2025)
Hastings, NE
$116,051 (2024) → $125,790 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Grand Island, NE
Hastings, NE
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacists 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 pharmacist?
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Written by Sofia Chen, PharmD
Career Analyst
Sofia Chen has 10 years of experience in community pharmacy. She specializes in medication therapy management.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 1.83% 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 Sofia Chen, PharmD, a licensed pharmacist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov