Grand Island vs Lincoln: Pharmacy Technician Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacy technician 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 | $49,367▲ | $48,650 |
| Hourly Rate | $23.73▲ | $23.39 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,855 | $39,308▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $40,299▲ | $40,036 |
| 75th Percentile | $51,244 | $52,214▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $53,279 | $53,933▲ |
| Total Employed | 120 | 510▲ |
Verdict
Grand Island and Lincoln are closely matched on overall pharmacy technician compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Grand Island and Lincoln is $717 (1.47%). Grand Island's median is +2.34% compared to the US national median of $48,239.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Grand Island spans $14,424,Lincoln spans $14,625. Lincoln has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced pharmacy technicians.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Grand Island ($56,968 effective) pays 7.24% more than Lincoln ($53,122 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 ($49,367/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $56,968)
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Choose Lincoln if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($53,933)
- ✓Larger job market (510 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacy technician salaries in Grand Island grew 28.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 50.4% growth in Lincoln over the same period.
Grand Island, NE
$36,500 (2019) → $46,820 (2025)
Lincoln, NE
$30,680 (2019) → $46,140 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Grand Island, NE
Lincoln, NE
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacy technicians 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 pharmacy technician?
What do entry-level pharmacy technicians earn in Grand Island vs Lincoln?
Written by Emily Tran, PharmD
Career Analyst
Emily Tran has over 8 years of experience as a pharmacy technician. She specializes in medication therapy management. Her experience includes working in community pharmacies.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.44% 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 Emily Tran, PharmD, a licensed pharmacy technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov