Lincoln vs Scottsbluff: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Lincoln, NE and Scottsbluff, NE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lincoln, NE | Scottsbluff, NE |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $128,733▲ | $120,180 |
| Hourly Rate | $61.89▲ | $57.78 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $103,616▲ | $93,832 |
| 25th Percentile | $116,919▲ | $114,077 |
| 75th Percentile | $135,933 | $136,324▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $163,699▲ | $145,383 |
| Total Employed | 320▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Lincoln, NE offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Scottsbluff.
The salary gap between Lincoln and Scottsbluff is $8,553 (7.12%). Lincoln's median is -5.94% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lincoln spans $60,083,Scottsbluff spans $51,551. Lincoln 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, Lincoln ($140,567 effective) pays 7.02% more than Scottsbluff ($131,344 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lincoln if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($128,733/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($163,699)
- ✓Larger job market (320 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $140,567)
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Choose Scottsbluff if…
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Lincoln grew 29.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 9.3% growth in Scottsbluff over the same period.
Lincoln, NE
$96,340 (2019) → $124,440 (2025)
Scottsbluff, NE
$106,249 (2024) → $116,172 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lincoln, NE
Scottsbluff, NE
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Lincoln or Scottsbluff?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lincoln and Scottsbluff?
Should I relocate from Lincoln to Scottsbluff as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Lincoln vs Scottsbluff?
Written by Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience in adult healthcare. She works in a community health clinic. Her specialty is chronic disease management.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.45% 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 Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C, a licensed nurse practitioner with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov