Grand Island vs Papillion: Pharmacy Technician Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacy technician salaries between Grand Island, NE and Papillion, NE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Grand Island, NE | Papillion, NE |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $49,367▲ | $41,057 |
| Hourly Rate | $23.73▲ | $19.74 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,855▲ | $35,566 |
| 25th Percentile | $40,299▲ | $36,277 |
| 75th Percentile | $51,244▲ | $43,811 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $53,279▲ | $51,717 |
| Total Employed | 120▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Grand Island, NE offers better overall compensation for pharmacy technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Papillion.
The salary gap between Grand Island and Papillion is $8,310 (20.24%). 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,Papillion spans $16,151. Papillion 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 26.96% more than Papillion ($44,871 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 top-earner potential ($53,279)
- ✓Larger job market (120 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $56,968)
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Choose Papillion if…
- ✓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 14.4% growth in Papillion over the same period.
Grand Island, NE
$36,500 (2019) → $46,820 (2025)
Papillion, NE
$34,045 (2024) → $38,939 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Grand Island, NE
Papillion, NE
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacy technicians more: Grand Island or Papillion?
What is the hourly rate difference between Grand Island and Papillion?
Should I relocate from Grand Island to Papillion as a pharmacy technician?
What do entry-level pharmacy technicians earn in Grand Island vs Papillion?
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