Grand Island vs Kearney: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist 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 | $89,892 | $90,709▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $43.21 | $43.61▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $85,684▲ | $73,995 |
| 25th Percentile | $88,454▲ | $79,985 |
| 75th Percentile | $96,534 | $99,842▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $99,084 | $114,134▲ |
| Total Employed | 60▲ | 9 |
Verdict
Kearney, NE offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Grand Island.
The salary gap between Grand Island and Kearney is $817 (0.91%). Kearney's median is -11.89% compared to the US national median of $102,946.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Grand Island spans $13,400,Kearney spans $40,139. Kearney has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced dental hygienists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Grand Island ($103,733 effective) pays 4.64% more than Kearney ($99,136 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Grand Island if…
- ✓Larger job market (60 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $103,733)
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Choose Kearney if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($90,709/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($114,134)
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in Grand Island grew 30.6% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 22.4% growth in Kearney over the same period.
Grand Island, NE
$65,610 (2020) → $85,660 (2025)
Kearney, NE
$70,619 (2020) → $86,439 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Grand Island, NE
Kearney, NE
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists 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 dental hygienist?
What do entry-level dental hygienists earn in Grand Island vs Kearney?
Written by Sarah Chen, RDH, BSDH
Dental Career Analyst
Sarah Chen is a registered dental hygienist with over 12 years of clinical experience. She specializes in salary benchmarking and career strategy, helping dental professionals make data-driven career decisions using official BLS statistics.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.94% 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 Sarah Chen, RDH, BSDH, a licensed dental hygienist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov