Engineering Grand Island, NE Pop. 53,131

Marine Engineer Salary in Grand Island, Nebraska

The median marine engineer salary in Grand Island, NE is $81,404 per year, which is 16% below the national median and 6.7% below the Nebraska state average.

City Median
$81,404
vs State Avg
$-5,815
vs National
$-15,506
Cost of Living
84%

Marine Engineer Pay in Grand Island: What to Expect (2026)

Grand Island offers a median marine engineer salary of $81,404, which is $5,815 below the Nebraska state average of $87,219. Compared to the national median of $96,910, Grand Island pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Grand Island's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 84% of the national average. This means the $81,404 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $96,910 in an average-cost city. This makes Grand Island an attractive option for marine engineers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for marine engineers in Grand Island spans from $48,720 at the 10th percentile to $127,680 at the 90th percentile — a $78,960 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $52,080, while senior marine engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $121,800. Grand Island is a smaller market (pop. 53,131), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Marine Engineer Salary in Grand Island by Experience

In Grand Island, an entry-level marine engineer earns around $52,080, while experienced professionals earn up to $121,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$52,080
$-9,920 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$82,320
$-15,680 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$121,800
$-23,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Grand Island, NE

Percentile Grand Island
10th Percentile $48,720
25th Percentile $63,840
Median (50th) $81,404
75th Percentile $104,160
90th Percentile $127,680

Marine Engineer Salary in Other Nebraska Cities

Omaha, NE
$90,126
Pop. 486,051
Bellevue, NE
$89,157
Pop. 64,176
Lincoln, NE
$87,219
Pop. 291,082
Kearney, NE
$83,343
Pop. 33,464

How to Become a Marine Engineer in Grand Island

Education

Most marine engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Grand Island and the surrounding Nebraska area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Naval ArchitectureMarine SystemsCADPropulsionMaritime LawProject Management

Job Outlook

Nationally, marine engineer employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Grand Island may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Marine Engineer Jobs in Grand Island

Browse open marine engineer positions in Grand Island, NE:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Marine Engineer Salary in Grand Island

How much does a Marine Engineer make in Grand Island, NE? ▼
The median marine engineer salary in Grand Island, Nebraska is $81,404 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $96,910. Salaries range from $48,720 (10th percentile) to $127,680 (90th percentile).
How much does a Marine Engineer make per hour in Grand Island? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $81,404, a marine engineer in Grand Island earns approximately $39 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Grand Island compare to the Nebraska state average for marine engineer pay? ▼
Grand Island's median marine engineer salary of $81,404 is 6.7% below the Nebraska state average of $87,219. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Grand Island, NE? ▼
Grand Island has a cost of living index of 84% compared to the national average. This means a marine engineer salary of $81,404 in Grand Island has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a marine engineer in Grand Island? ▼
Most marine engineer positions in Grand Island require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Naval Architecture, Marine Systems, CAD, Propulsion. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.