Lincoln vs North Platte: Lawyer Salary (2026)
Compare lawyer salaries between Lincoln, NE and North Platte, NE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lincoln, NE | North Platte, NE |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $106,061 | $142,239▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $50.99 | $68.38▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $69,071 | $82,498▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $83,760 | $102,412▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $140,602 | $182,066▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $183,717 | $220,471▲ |
| Total Employed | 820▲ | 4 |
Verdict
North Platte, NE offers better overall compensation for lawyers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Lincoln.
The salary gap between Lincoln and North Platte is $36,178 (34.11%). North Platte's median is -14.92% compared to the US national median of $167,174.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lincoln spans $114,646,North Platte spans $137,973. North Platte 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, North Platte ($155,452 effective) pays 34.23% more than Lincoln ($115,811 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lincoln if…
- ✓Larger job market (820 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Choose North Platte if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($142,239/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($220,471)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $155,452)
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, lawyer salaries in Lincoln grew 21.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 35.3% growth in North Platte over the same period.
Lincoln, NE
$83,270 (2019) → $101,300 (2025)
North Platte, NE
$100,400 (2024) → $135,854 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lincoln, NE
North Platte, NE
Frequently Asked Questions
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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