Grand Island vs Lincoln: Actuary Salary (2026)
Compare actuary 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 | $119,822 | $127,739▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $57.61 | $61.41▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $74,957▲ | $74,088 |
| 25th Percentile | $88,417 | $91,972▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $153,373 | $163,506▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $185,725 | $197,995▲ |
| Total Employed | 14 | 58▲ |
Verdict
Lincoln, NE offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Grand Island.
The salary gap between Grand Island and Lincoln is $7,917 (6.61%). Lincoln's median is -4.79% compared to the US national median of $134,160.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Grand Island spans $110,768,Lincoln spans $123,907. Lincoln has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced actuarys.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Lincoln ($139,605 effective) pays 6.61% more than Grand Island ($130,953 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 ($127,739/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($197,995)
- ✓Larger job market (58 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $139,605)
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, actuary salaries in Grand Island grew 10.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 31.5% growth in Lincoln over the same period.
Grand Island, NE
$105,390 (2024) → $116,107 (2025)
Lincoln, NE
$94,120 (2019) → $123,778 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Grand Island, NE
Lincoln, NE
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays actuarys 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 actuary?
What do entry-level actuarys earn in Grand Island vs Lincoln?
Written by Maria Chen, FSA, MAAA
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience in life insurance. She specializes in risk assessment and pricing strategies.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.20% 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 Chen, FSA, MAAA, a licensed actuary with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov