Bellevue vs Grand Island: Lawyer Salary (2026)
Compare lawyer salaries between Bellevue, NE and Grand Island, NE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bellevue, NE | Grand Island, NE |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $148,121▲ | $107,998 |
| Hourly Rate | $71.22▲ | $51.92 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $85,911▲ | $65,793 |
| 25th Percentile | $106,647▲ | $81,300 |
| 75th Percentile | $189,595▲ | $117,693 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $229,588▲ | $172,608 |
| Total Employed | 15 | 50▲ |
Verdict
Bellevue, NE offers better overall compensation for lawyers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Grand Island.
The salary gap between Bellevue and Grand Island is $40,123 (37.15%). Bellevue's median is -11.40% compared to the US national median of $167,174.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bellevue spans $143,677,Grand Island spans $106,815. Bellevue 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, Bellevue ($161,881 effective) pays 29.89% more than Grand Island ($124,627 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bellevue if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($148,121/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($229,588)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $161,881)
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Choose Grand Island if…
- ✓Larger job market (50 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, lawyer salaries in Bellevue grew 35.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 23.0% growth in Grand Island over the same period.
Bellevue, NE
$104,552 (2024) → $141,472 (2025)
Grand Island, NE
$83,850 (2019) → $103,150 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bellevue, NE
Grand Island, NE
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays lawyers more: Bellevue or Grand Island?
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Written by Alexandra Chen, JD
Career Analyst
Alexandra has 10 years of experience in corporate law. She specializes in mergers and acquisitions. Alexandra works at a mid-sized law firm in New York City.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.70% 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 Alexandra Chen, JD, a licensed lawyer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov