Fremont vs Lincoln: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse salaries between Fremont, NE and Lincoln, NE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fremont, NE | Lincoln, NE |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $91,210 | $92,178▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $43.85 | $44.31▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $63,089 | $67,693▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $76,613 | $82,700▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $105,336▲ | $98,528 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $127,107▲ | $109,533 |
| Total Employed | 4 | 4,200▲ |
Verdict
Lincoln, NE offers better overall compensation for registered nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Fremont.
The salary gap between Fremont and Lincoln is $968 (1.06%). Lincoln's median is -10.27% compared to the US national median of $102,730.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fremont spans $64,018,Lincoln spans $41,840. Fremont 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 ($100,652 effective) pays 0.97% more than Fremont ($99,683 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fremont if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($127,107)
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Choose Lincoln if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($92,178/year)
- ✓Larger job market (4,200 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $100,652)
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, registered nurse salaries in Fremont grew 28.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 36.7% growth in Lincoln over the same period.
Fremont, NE
$67,478 (2024) → $86,611 (2025)
Lincoln, NE
$64,020 (2019) → $87,530 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fremont, NE
Lincoln, NE
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Jordan Lee, RN, BSN
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience as a registered nurse. Their specialty is pediatric nursing in a community hospital. They analyze nursing workforce trends and salary data.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.31% 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 Jordan Lee, RN, BSN, a licensed registered nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov