Bellevue vs Omaha: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Bellevue, NE and Omaha, NE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bellevue, NE | Omaha, NE |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $91,698 | $104,703▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $44.09 | $50.34▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $62,470 | $73,976▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $72,591 | $82,032▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $117,373 | $132,413▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $142,131 | $147,828▲ |
| Total Employed | 15 | 1,240▲ |
Verdict
Omaha, NE offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Bellevue.
The salary gap between Bellevue and Omaha is $13,005 (14.18%). Omaha's median is +1.17% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bellevue spans $79,661,Omaha spans $73,852. Bellevue has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Omaha ($113,918 effective) pays 13.67% more than Bellevue ($100,216 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bellevue if…
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Choose Omaha if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($104,703/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($147,828)
- ✓Larger job market (1,240 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $113,918)
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Bellevue grew 14.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 22.9% growth in Omaha over the same period.
Bellevue, NE
$77,971 (2024) → $89,348 (2025)
Omaha, NE
$83,020 (2019) → $102,020 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bellevue, NE
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Bellevue or Omaha?
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Should I relocate from Bellevue to Omaha as a civil engineer?
What do entry-level civil engineers earn in Bellevue vs Omaha?
Written by Jordan Chen, P.E.
Career Analyst
Jordan Chen has 10 years of experience in structural engineering. He works primarily in urban infrastructure projects.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.63% 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 Jordan Chen, P.E., a licensed civil engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov