Bellevue vs Fremont: Mechanical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare mechanical engineer salaries between Bellevue, NE and Fremont, NE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bellevue, NE | Fremont, NE |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $94,939 | $95,135▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $45.65 | $45.74▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $67,904▲ | $66,194 |
| 25th Percentile | $76,623 | $78,424▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $121,522▲ | $121,285 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $147,155 | $147,460▲ |
| Total Employed | 15▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Fremont, NE offers better overall compensation for mechanical engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Bellevue.
The salary gap between Bellevue and Fremont is $196 (0.21%). Fremont's median is -11.21% compared to the US national median of $107,150.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bellevue spans $79,251,Fremont spans $81,266. Fremont has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced mechanical engineers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Fremont ($103,973 effective) pays 0.21% more than Bellevue ($103,758 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bellevue if…
- ✓Larger job market (15 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Choose Fremont if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($95,135/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($147,460)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $103,973)
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, mechanical engineer salaries in Bellevue grew 13.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 13.2% growth in Fremont over the same period.
Bellevue, NE
$81,515 (2024) → $92,245 (2025)
Fremont, NE
$81,684 (2024) → $92,436 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bellevue, NE
Fremont, NE
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays mechanical engineers more: Bellevue or Fremont?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bellevue and Fremont?
Should I relocate from Bellevue to Fremont as a mechanical engineer?
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Written by Amina Patel, PE
Career Analyst
Amina has 10 years of experience in mechanical engineering. She specializes in thermal analysis and works in the automotive industry.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.92% 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 Amina Patel, PE, a licensed mechanical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov