Grand Island vs Norfolk: Lawyer Salary (2026)
Compare lawyer 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 | $107,998 | $142,458▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $51.92 | $68.48▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,793 | $82,626▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $81,300 | $102,569▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $117,693 | $182,347▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $172,608 | $220,810▲ |
| Total Employed | 50▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Norfolk, NE offers better overall compensation for lawyers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Grand Island.
The salary gap between Grand Island and Norfolk is $34,460 (31.91%). Norfolk's median is -14.78% compared to the US national median of $167,174.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Grand Island spans $106,815,Norfolk spans $138,184. Norfolk has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced lawyers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Norfolk ($155,692 effective) pays 24.93% 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 Grand Island if…
- ✓Larger job market (50 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Choose Norfolk if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($142,458/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($220,810)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $155,692)
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, lawyer salaries in Grand Island grew 23.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 35.3% growth in Norfolk over the same period.
Grand Island, NE
$83,850 (2019) → $103,150 (2025)
Norfolk, NE
$100,554 (2024) → $136,063 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Grand Island, NE
Norfolk, NE
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays lawyers 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 lawyer?
What do entry-level lawyers earn in Grand Island vs Norfolk?
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