Grand Island vs Norfolk: Certified Nursing Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare certified nursing assistant salaries between Grand Island, NE and Norfolk, NE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Grand Island, NE | Norfolk, NE |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $41,407▲ | $38,353 |
| Hourly Rate | $19.90▲ | $18.44 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,043▲ | $33,779 |
| 25th Percentile | $39,639▲ | $35,438 |
| 75th Percentile | $49,246▲ | $41,897 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $51,493▲ | $44,641 |
| Total Employed | 590▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Grand Island, NE offers better overall compensation for certified nursing assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Norfolk.
The salary gap between Grand Island and Norfolk is $3,054 (7.96%). Grand Island's median is -8.00% compared to the US national median of $45,007.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Grand Island spans $12,450,Norfolk spans $10,862. 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 ($47,783 effective) pays 14.00% more than Norfolk ($41,916 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 ($41,407/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($51,493)
- ✓Larger job market (590 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $47,783)
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Choose Norfolk if…
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, certified nursing assistant salaries in Grand Island grew 39.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 24.3% growth in Norfolk over the same period.
Grand Island, NE
$27,830 (2019) → $38,880 (2025)
Norfolk, NE
$28,973 (2024) → $36,012 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Grand Island, NE
Norfolk, NE
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays certified nursing assistants more: Grand Island or Norfolk?
What is the hourly rate difference between Grand Island and Norfolk?
Should I relocate from Grand Island to Norfolk as a certified nursing assistant?
What do entry-level certified nursing assistants earn in Grand Island vs Norfolk?
Written by Emily Chen, BSN, RN
Career Analyst
Emily has over 10 years of experience in nursing. She focuses on workforce trends in nursing. Emily has worked in various healthcare settings, including hospitals and long-term care facilities.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 6.50% 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 Chen, BSN, RN, a licensed certified nursing assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov