Grand Island vs Hastings: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist salaries between Grand Island, NE and Hastings, NE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Grand Island, NE | Hastings, NE |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $89,712 | $90,854▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $43.14 | $43.68▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $76,921▲ | $57,661 |
| 25th Percentile | $83,972▲ | $70,702 |
| 75th Percentile | $109,397▲ | $103,791 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $139,607▲ | $118,585 |
| Total Employed | 60▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Grand Island and Hastings are closely matched on overall speech-language pathologist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Grand Island and Hastings is $1,142 (1.27%). Hastings's median is -10.73% compared to the US national median of $101,775.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Grand Island spans $62,686,Hastings spans $60,924. 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 ($103,525 effective) pays 4.26% more than Hastings ($99,294 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Grand Island if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($139,607)
- ✓Larger job market (60 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $103,525)
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Choose Hastings if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($90,854/year)
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, speech-language pathologist salaries in Grand Island grew 10.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 22.3% growth in Hastings over the same period.
Grand Island, NE
$78,320 (2019) → $86,270 (2025)
Hastings, NE
$71,416 (2024) → $87,368 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Grand Island, NE
Hastings, NE
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: Grand Island or Hastings?
What is the hourly rate difference between Grand Island and Hastings?
Should I relocate from Grand Island to Hastings as a speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in Grand Island vs Hastings?
Written by Jordan Lee, CCC-SLP
Career Analyst
Jordan has over 8 years of experience in speech-language pathology. He specializes in pediatric language disorders. He works in a community health clinic.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.99% 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 Jordan Lee, CCC-SLP, a licensed speech-language pathologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov