Engineering Nebraska (NE) Rank #36 of 50

Civil Engineer Salary in Nebraska

The median civil engineer salary in Nebraska is $80,946 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $89,940.

Median Salary
$80,946
vs National
$-8,994
State Rank
#36 of 50
Cost of Living
90%

Civil Engineer Salary Overview in Nebraska (2026)

Nebraska ranks #36 out of 50 states for civil engineer compensation. Civil Engineer salaries in Nebraska are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $80,946 per year, civil engineers in Nebraska earn $8,994 less than the national median of $89,940.

A key advantage of working in Nebraska is its below-average cost of living (90% of the national index). This means the $80,946 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $89,940 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Nebraska is significant: civil engineers at the 10th percentile earn $54,360, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $124,740 — a $70,380 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Nebraska for this role is Omaha, where the median reaches $83,644.

Nationally, civil engineer employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for civil engineers across the country.

Civil Engineer Salary in Nebraska by Experience

In Nebraska, an entry-level civil engineer earns around $55,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $117,000 per year. The cost of living index in Nebraska is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$55,800
$-6,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$81,000
$-9,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$117,000
$-13,000 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Nebraska

Percentile NE Salary
10th Percentile $54,360
25th Percentile $65,880
Median (50th) $80,946
75th Percentile $102,600
90th Percentile $124,740

Civil Engineer Salary by City in Nebraska

The largest employment areas for civil engineers in Nebraska include Omaha, Lincoln, Bellevue, and Grand Island. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Civil Engineer in Nebraska

Education

Most civil engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Nebraska has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

AutoCADStructural AnalysisProject ManagementGISConstruction ManagementPE License

Job Outlook in Nebraska

Nationally, civil engineer employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Nebraska's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Civil Engineer Salary in Nebraska

How much does a Civil Engineer make in Nebraska? ▼
The median civil engineer salary in Nebraska is $80,946 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $89,940. Salaries range from $54,360 (10th percentile) to $124,740 (90th percentile).
How much does a Civil Engineer make per hour in Nebraska? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $80,946, a civil engineer in Nebraska earns approximately $39 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Nebraska a good state for civil engineers? ▼
Nebraska ranks #36 out of 50 states for civil engineer pay. The cost of living index is 90% of the national average. Entry-level civil engineers earn $55,800, while senior professionals earn $117,000.
How does Nebraska compare to other states for civil engineer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for civil engineers is Hawaii at $152,898. Nebraska's median of $80,946 ranks #36 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Louisiana ($81,845) and Indiana ($80,946).
What is the entry-level civil engineer salary in Nebraska? ▼
An entry-level civil engineer in Nebraska earns approximately $55,800 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $81,000. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $117,000.
What city in Nebraska pays civil engineers the most? ▼
Omaha is the highest paying city in Nebraska for civil engineers, with a median salary of $83,644. Other cities include Lincoln and Bellevue.