Fremont vs Grand Island: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Fremont, NE and Grand Island, NE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fremont, NE | Grand Island, NE |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $91,888 | $93,301▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $44.17 | $44.86▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $60,716 | $79,713▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $74,305 | $84,177▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $117,616 | $129,242▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $142,426▲ | $134,722 |
| Total Employed | 4 | 40▲ |
Verdict
Grand Island, NE offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Fremont.
The salary gap between Fremont and Grand Island is $1,413 (1.54%). Grand Island's median is -9.85% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fremont spans $81,710,Grand Island spans $55,009. Fremont 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, Grand Island ($107,667 effective) pays 7.21% more than Fremont ($100,424 effective).
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 ($142,426)
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Choose Grand Island if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($93,301/year)
- ✓Larger job market (40 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $107,667)
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Fremont grew 14.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 30.1% growth in Grand Island over the same period.
Fremont, NE
$78,133 (2024) → $89,533 (2025)
Grand Island, NE
$69,860 (2019) → $90,910 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fremont, NE
Grand Island, NE
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Fremont or Grand Island?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fremont and Grand Island?
Should I relocate from Fremont to Grand Island as a civil engineer?
What do entry-level civil engineers earn in Fremont vs Grand Island?
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