Grand Island vs Hastings: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant 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 | $42,376 | $42,814▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $20.37 | $20.58▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,235▲ | $33,630 |
| 25th Percentile | $40,235▲ | $35,394 |
| 75th Percentile | $49,420▲ | $44,937 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $56,999▲ | $52,863 |
| Total Employed | 100▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Grand Island and Hastings are closely matched on overall medical assistant compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Grand Island and Hastings is $438 (1.03%). Hastings's median is -10.73% compared to the US national median of $47,961.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Grand Island spans $16,764,Hastings spans $19,233. Hastings has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced medical assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Grand Island ($48,901 effective) pays 4.51% more than Hastings ($46,791 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 ($56,999)
- ✓Larger job market (100 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $48,901)
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Choose Hastings if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($42,814/year)
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Grand Island grew 32.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 14.2% growth in Hastings over the same period.
Grand Island, NE
$30,500 (2019) → $40,370 (2025)
Hastings, NE
$35,708 (2024) → $40,787 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Grand Island, NE
Hastings, NE
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants 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 medical assistant?
What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Grand Island vs Hastings?
Written by Emma Chen, CMA
Career Analyst
Emma has over 8 years of experience as a medical assistant. She has worked in both outpatient clinics and hospitals. Her expertise includes patient care and administrative support.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.97% 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 Emma Chen, CMA, a licensed medical assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov