Columbus vs Grand Island: Certified Nursing Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare certified nursing assistant salaries between Columbus, NE and Grand Island, NE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbus, NE | Grand Island, NE |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $38,455 | $41,407▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $18.49 | $19.90▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,209 | $39,043▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $35,658 | $39,639▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $40,763 | $49,246▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $46,176 | $51,493▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 590▲ |
Verdict
Grand Island, NE offers better overall compensation for certified nursing assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Columbus.
The salary gap between Columbus and Grand Island is $2,952 (7.68%). 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 Columbus spans $11,967,Grand Island spans $12,450. Grand Island has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced certified nursing assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Grand Island ($47,783 effective) pays 13.69% more than Columbus ($42,027 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Columbus if…
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
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
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, certified nursing assistant salaries in Columbus grew 24.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 39.7% growth in Grand Island over the same period.
Columbus, NE
$29,050 (2024) → $36,108 (2025)
Grand Island, NE
$27,830 (2019) → $38,880 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbus, NE
Grand Island, NE
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays certified nursing assistants more: Columbus or Grand Island?
What is the hourly rate difference between Columbus and Grand Island?
Should I relocate from Columbus to Grand Island as a certified nursing assistant?
What do entry-level certified nursing assistants earn in Columbus vs Grand Island?
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