Fremont vs Lincoln: Mechanical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare mechanical engineer salaries between Fremont, NE and Lincoln, NE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fremont, NE | Lincoln, NE |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $95,135 | $103,291▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $45.74 | $49.66▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,194 | $69,955▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $78,424 | $82,223▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $121,285 | $128,444▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $147,460 | $175,448▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 160▲ |
Verdict
Lincoln, NE offers better overall compensation for mechanical engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Fremont.
The salary gap between Fremont and Lincoln is $8,156 (8.57%). Lincoln's median is -3.60% compared to the US national median of $107,150.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fremont spans $81,266,Lincoln spans $105,493. Lincoln 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, Lincoln ($112,786 effective) pays 8.48% more than Fremont ($103,973 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fremont if…
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Choose Lincoln if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($103,291/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($175,448)
- ✓Larger job market (160 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $112,786)
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, mechanical engineer salaries in Fremont grew 13.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 30.2% growth in Lincoln over the same period.
Fremont, NE
$81,684 (2024) → $92,436 (2025)
Lincoln, NE
$77,100 (2019) → $100,360 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fremont, NE
Lincoln, NE
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays mechanical engineers more: Fremont or Lincoln?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fremont and Lincoln?
Should I relocate from Fremont to Lincoln 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