Engineering Grand Island, NE Pop. 53,131

Mechanical Engineer Salary in Grand Island, Nebraska

The median mechanical engineer salary in Grand Island, NE is $80,900 per year, which is 16% below the national median and 6.7% below the Nebraska state average.

City Median
$80,900
vs State Avg
$-5,779
vs National
$-15,410
Cost of Living
84%

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

Grand Island offers a median mechanical engineer salary of $80,900, which is $5,779 below the Nebraska state average of $86,679. Compared to the national median of $96,310, 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 $80,900 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $96,310 in an average-cost city. This makes Grand Island an attractive option for mechanical engineers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for mechanical engineers in Grand Island spans from $53,256 at the 10th percentile to $122,808 at the 90th percentile — a $69,552 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $54,600, while senior mechanical engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $115,920. Grand Island is a smaller market (pop. 53,131), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Mechanical Engineer Salary in Grand Island by Experience

In Grand Island, an entry-level mechanical engineer earns around $54,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $115,920 per year. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$54,600
$-10,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$80,640
$-15,360 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$115,920
$-22,080 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Grand Island, NE

Percentile Grand Island
10th Percentile $53,256
25th Percentile $66,192
Median (50th) $80,900
75th Percentile $100,464
90th Percentile $122,808

Mechanical Engineer Salary in Other Nebraska Cities

Omaha, NE
$89,568
Pop. 486,051
Bellevue, NE
$88,605
Pop. 64,176
Lincoln, NE
$86,679
Pop. 291,082
Kearney, NE
$82,827
Pop. 33,464

How to Become a Mechanical Engineer in Grand Island

Education

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

Key Skills

SolidWorks/CADThermodynamicsFEAManufacturingMaterials SciencePE License

Job Outlook

Nationally, mechanical engineer employment is projected to grow 2% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Grand Island may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Grand Island

Browse open mechanical engineer positions in Grand Island, NE:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Mechanical Engineer Salary in Grand Island

How much does a Mechanical Engineer make in Grand Island, NE? ▼
The median mechanical engineer salary in Grand Island, Nebraska is $80,900 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $96,310. Salaries range from $53,256 (10th percentile) to $122,808 (90th percentile).
How much does a Mechanical Engineer make per hour in Grand Island? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $80,900, a mechanical 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 mechanical engineer pay? ▼
Grand Island's median mechanical engineer salary of $80,900 is 6.7% below the Nebraska state average of $86,679. 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 mechanical engineer salary of $80,900 in Grand Island has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a mechanical engineer in Grand Island? ▼
Most mechanical engineer positions in Grand Island require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include SolidWorks/CAD, Thermodynamics, FEA, Manufacturing. The job market is projected to grow 2% nationally over the next decade.