Engineering Nebraska (NE) Rank #36 of 50

Mechanical Engineer Salary in Nebraska

The median mechanical engineer salary in Nebraska is $86,679 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $96,310.

Median Salary
$86,679
vs National
$-9,631
State Rank
#36 of 50
Cost of Living
90%

Mechanical Engineer Salary Overview in Nebraska (2026)

Nebraska ranks #36 out of 50 states for mechanical engineer compensation. Mechanical Engineer salaries in Nebraska are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $86,679 per year, mechanical engineers in Nebraska earn $9,631 less than the national median of $96,310.

A key advantage of working in Nebraska is its below-average cost of living (90% of the national index). This means the $86,679 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $96,310 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Nebraska is significant: mechanical engineers at the 10th percentile earn $57,060, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $131,580 — a $74,520 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 $89,568.

Nationally, mechanical engineer employment is projected to grow 2% over the next decade (as fast as average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for mechanical engineers across the country.

Mechanical Engineer Salary in Nebraska by Experience

In Nebraska, an entry-level mechanical engineer earns around $58,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $124,200 per year. The cost of living index in Nebraska is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$58,500
$-6,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$86,400
$-9,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$124,200
$-13,800 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Nebraska

Percentile NE Salary
10th Percentile $57,060
25th Percentile $70,920
Median (50th) $86,679
75th Percentile $107,640
90th Percentile $131,580

Mechanical Engineer Salary by City in Nebraska

The largest employment areas for mechanical 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 Mechanical Engineer in Nebraska

Education

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

Key Skills

SolidWorks/CADThermodynamicsFEAManufacturingMaterials SciencePE License

Job Outlook in Nebraska

Nationally, mechanical engineer employment is projected to grow 2% over the next decade (as fast as average). Nebraska's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Mechanical Engineer Salary in Nebraska

How much does a Mechanical Engineer make in Nebraska? ▼
The median mechanical engineer salary in Nebraska is $86,679 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $96,310. Salaries range from $57,060 (10th percentile) to $131,580 (90th percentile).
How much does a Mechanical Engineer make per hour in Nebraska? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $86,679, a mechanical engineer in Nebraska earns approximately $42 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Nebraska a good state for mechanical engineers? ▼
Nebraska ranks #36 out of 50 states for mechanical engineer pay. The cost of living index is 90% of the national average. Entry-level mechanical engineers earn $58,500, while senior professionals earn $124,200.
How does Nebraska compare to other states for mechanical engineer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for mechanical engineers is Hawaii at $163,727. Nebraska's median of $86,679 ranks #36 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Louisiana ($87,642) and Indiana ($86,679).
What is the entry-level mechanical engineer salary in Nebraska? ▼
An entry-level mechanical engineer in Nebraska earns approximately $58,500 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $86,400. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $124,200.
What city in Nebraska pays mechanical engineers the most? ▼
Omaha is the highest paying city in Nebraska for mechanical engineers, with a median salary of $89,568. Other cities include Lincoln and Bellevue.