Grand Island vs Kearney: Construction Manager Salary (2026)
Compare construction manager salaries between Grand Island, NE and Kearney, NE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Grand Island, NE | Kearney, NE |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $102,262 | $104,786▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $49.17 | $50.38▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $63,934 | $68,491▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $79,964 | $83,693▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $127,072 | $134,126▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $154,706 | $162,419▲ |
| Total Employed | 100▲ | 9 |
Verdict
Kearney, NE offers better overall compensation for construction managers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Grand Island.
The salary gap between Grand Island and Kearney is $2,524 (2.47%). Kearney's median is -11.89% compared to the US national median of $118,923.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Grand Island spans $90,772,Kearney spans $93,928. Kearney has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced construction managers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Grand Island ($118,008 effective) pays 3.05% more than Kearney ($114,520 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 (100 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $118,008)
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Choose Kearney if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($104,786/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($162,419)
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, construction manager salaries in Grand Island grew 55.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 17.3% growth in Kearney over the same period.
Grand Island, NE
$63,750 (2019) → $98,880 (2025)
Kearney, NE
$86,350 (2024) → $101,321 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Grand Island, NE
Kearney, NE
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays construction managers more: Grand Island or Kearney?
What is the hourly rate difference between Grand Island and Kearney?
Should I relocate from Grand Island to Kearney as a construction manager?
What do entry-level construction managers earn in Grand Island vs Kearney?
Written by Michael Johnson, MS, CCM
Career Analyst
Michael has 10 years of experience in construction management. He specializes in project scheduling and cost control. He works with a mid-sized general contracting firm.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.42% 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 Michael Johnson, MS, CCM, a licensed construction manager with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov