Mechanical Engineer Hourly Pay in Grand Island, NE: $46.01 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a mechanical engineer working in Grand Island, NE runs $46.01 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $95,699 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2141). Weighted against Grand Island's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $50.28 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $57,415 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, mechanical engineers in Grand Island, Nebraska, can expect a median hourly pay of $46.01, which represents a notable gap compared to the national median of $51.51. This rate can accommodate various working arrangements, making part-time positions or per-diem roles viable for those looking to maintain a flexible schedule while engaging in projects at automotive, aerospace, or HVAC engineering firms. Those just starting their careers may earn around $33.68 an hour, while seasoned professionals can command rates upwards of $71.31. Such variations highlight the differing levels of demand for engineers in settings including manufacturing facilities, aerospace test ranges, and remote simulation offices, where proficiency in software like SolidWorks or CATIA is often essential.
About the Grand Island Market
Salary estimated from Nebraska average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Mechanical Engineer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33.68 | $269.40 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36.56 | $292.46 |
| Median (P50) | $46.01 | $368.04 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $58.83 | $470.63 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $71.31 | $570.51 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Grand Island
Based on $46.01/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $46.01/hr, a mechanical engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Grand Island, NE can expect to earn approximately $95,691 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $55,206. With a cost-of-living index of 91.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Grand Island.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Grand Island
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,840.21 | $7,974 | $95,691 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,104.13 | $4,785 | $57,415 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $736.08 | $3,190 | $38,276 |
Compare ME, PE Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineer (Grand Island) | $46.01 |
| Civil Engineer (National Avg) | $47.06 |
| Electrical Engineer (National Avg) | $54.18 |
| Industrial Engineer (National Avg) | $47.50 |
| Aerospace Engineer (National Avg) | $63.06 |
Mechanical Engineers in Grand Island, NE earn a median of $95,699 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.69% lower than the national median of $107,150 and 2.40% below the Nebraska state average of $98,052.
Mechanical Engineer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $46.01/hr = $57,415/year (purchasing power: $62,748).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $95,691/year (purchasing power: $104,580).
CoL index: 91.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$33.17/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$44.70/hr
2026 Current Est.
$46.01/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+42.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Mechanical Engineers in Grand Island (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.92% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33.17/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.65/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $35.89/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $41.35/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $43.39/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $39.50/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $44.70/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46.01/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47.35/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for mechanical engineers in Grand Island grew 34.8% from $33.17/hr (2019) to $44.70/hr (2025). At a 2.92% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $47.35/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem mechanical engineers can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Grand Island metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.92% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Mechanical Engineer in Grand Island
For mechanical engineers working part-time in Grand Island, a typical schedule of three days a week, translating to around 24 hours, would yield annual earnings significantly lower than those of their full-time counterparts. Conversely, professionals venturing into per-diem or contract roles may find lucrative opportunities, with pay rates ranging from $90 to $160 an hour for service contracts, depending on the project and level of expertise. Specialized roles, particularly in aerospace engineering or HVAC systems, often see even higher hourly pay rates, with some positions demanding $120 to $220. The compensation structure varies widely by industry; for example, engineers working for firms like Boeing or Tesla may benefit from higher pay, albeit with less certainty than those in established settings. Additionally, the trade-off between hourly rate and benefits such as health insurance can influence job selection, pushing some engineers toward opportunities with lower pay but increased security. When negotiating rates, professionals should be aware of market demands and the prevailing rates in their specific engineering niche, ensuring they approach potential employers ready to advocate for their worth.
More salary data for Grand Island, NE:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for mechanical engineers in Grand Island in 2026?
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.92% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for mechanical engineers in Grand Island. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Grand Island is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.92%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for mechanical engineers (SOC 17-2141).
Compiled and verified by Amina Patel, PE, a licensed mechanical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov