Grand Island vs Kearney: School Counselor Salary (2026)
Compare school counselor 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 | $109,489▲ | $55,554 |
| Hourly Rate | $52.64▲ | $26.71 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,804▲ | $41,683 |
| 25th Percentile | $67,496▲ | $45,890 |
| 75th Percentile | $133,402▲ | $71,109 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $133,402▲ | $86,109 |
| Total Employed | 90▲ | 9 |
Verdict
Grand Island, NE offers better overall compensation for school counselors, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Kearney.
The salary gap between Grand Island and Kearney is $53,935 (97.09%). Grand Island's median is +70.19% compared to the US national median of $64,335.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Grand Island spans $85,598,Kearney spans $44,426. 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 ($126,348 effective) pays 108.10% more than Kearney ($60,715 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 ($109,489/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($133,402)
- ✓Larger job market (90 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $126,348)
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Choose Kearney if…
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, school counselor salaries in Grand Island grew 55.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 3.0% growth in Kearney over the same period.
Grand Island, NE
$69,180 (2019) → $107,290 (2025)
Kearney, NE
$52,867 (2024) → $54,438 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Grand Island, NE
Kearney, NE
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays school counselors 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 school counselor?
What do entry-level school counselors earn in Grand Island vs Kearney?
Written by Maria Gonzalez, M.Ed.
Content Lead
Maria has over 10 years of experience in school counseling. She specializes in academic and emotional support for high school students. She works at a public high school in California.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.05% 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, M.Ed., a licensed school counselor with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov