Mechanical Engineer Salary

Fremont vs Omaha: Mechanical Engineer Salary (2026)

Compare mechanical engineer salaries between Fremont, NE and Omaha, NE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Fremont, NE
$95,135
$45.74/hr
Omaha, NE
$95,901
$46.11/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricFremont, NEOmaha, NE
Median Salary$95,135$95,901
Hourly Rate$45.74$46.11
Entry Level (P10)$66,194$61,546
25th Percentile$78,424$77,005
75th Percentile$121,285$111,370
Top Earner (P90)$147,460$139,148
Total Employed4490
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Fremont ($95,135) and Omaha ($95,901) mechanical engineer salaries.FremontOmahaMedian Salary$95,135$95,901Entry Level (P10)$66,194$61,546Top Earner (P90)$147,460$139,148US Median $107,150

Verdict

Omaha, NE offers better overall compensation for mechanical engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Fremont.

The salary gap between Fremont and Omaha is $766 (0.81%). Omaha's median is -10.50% 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,Omaha spans $77,602. Fremont has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Fremont
P10 (Entry)$66,194
P25$78,424
Median$95,135
P75$121,285
P90 (Top)$147,460
Omaha
P10 (Entry)$61,546
P25$77,005
Median$95,901
P75$111,370
P90 (Top)$139,148

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Omaha ($104,341 effective) pays 0.35% more than Fremont ($103,973 effective).

Fremont
Nominal: $95,135
CoL Index: 91.5
Adjusted: $103,973
Omaha
Nominal: $95,901
CoL Index: 91.911
Adjusted: $104,341

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Fremont if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($147,460)
  • You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle

Choose Omaha if…

  • Higher median salary ($95,901/year)
  • Larger job market (490 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $104,341)
  • 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 18.8% growth in Omaha over the same period.

Fremont, NE

+13.2%

$81,684 (2024) → $92,436 (2025)

Omaha, NE

+18.8%

$78,410 (2019) → $93,180 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays mechanical engineers more: Fremont or Omaha?

Omaha has a higher median mechanical engineer salary at $95,901/year, compared to Fremont at $95,135/year — a difference of $766 (0.81%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Fremont and Omaha?

Fremont mechanical engineers earn $45.74/hr while Omaha hygienists earn $46.11/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Fremont to Omaha as a mechanical engineer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Fremont and Omaha. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Fremont = $103,973, Omaha = $104,341), job availability (4 vs 490 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level mechanical engineers earn in Fremont vs Omaha?

Entry-level (10th percentile) mechanical engineers earn $66,194 in Fremont and $61,546 in Omaha. The Fremont area offers higher starting salaries.
AP

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.

Clinically reviewed by Jamal Robinson, PhDData verified by Lina Zhang, MS

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