Mechanical Engineer Salary in Norfolk, NE: $91,309 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time mechanical engineer in Norfolk, NE earns a median $91,309/year (≈ $43.90/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2141). Once you factor in Norfolk's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.5), that paycheck buys what $99,791 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.9% below the Nebraska state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, mechanical engineers in Norfolk, Nebraska, can expect a median annual pay of $91,309, which is notably lower than the national average of $107,150. The salary range for this profession in the area is projected between $71,440 at the 10th percentile and $136,192 at the 90th percentile. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for local economic conditions, reflect the competitive yet diverse landscape of Norfolk's mechanical engineering job market. Companies span various sectors, including aerospace giants like SpaceX and Boeing, automakers such as Tesla, and HVAC firms. Each sector influences salary differentials, shaping the overall compensation environment for engineers in this city.
About the Norfolk Market
Salary estimated from Nebraska average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $71,440 | $34.34 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $77,437 | $37.23 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $91,309 | $43.90 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $113,572 | $54.60 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $136,192 | $65.48 |
Median Salary Position
14.78% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Norfolk
In Norfolk, NE, the mechanical engineer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $64,752 (2026 est.). At $91,309, the local median is 14.78% below the national median of $107,150.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Norfolk: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Norfolk Mechanical Engineer Pay Compares
Norfolk median: $91,309/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Norfolk Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Nebraska Average | $98,076 | -6.90% less |
| National Average | $107,150 | -14.78% less |
Mechanical Engineers in Norfolk, NE earn a median of $91,309 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.78% lower than the national median of $107,150 and 6.90% below the Nebraska state average of $98,076.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Norfolk has a cost of living 8.50% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Norfolk, NE has a cost-of-living index of 91.5 (below the national average of 100). A mechanical engineer earning $91,309 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $99,791 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.29% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$75,356
2025 BLS Actual
$88,718
2026 Current Est.
$91,309
2019–2027 Growth
+24.7%
Salary Trajectory for Mechanical Engineers in Norfolk (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.92% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $75,356 | Actual |
| 2020 | $76,830 | Actual |
| 2021 | $81,211 | Actual |
| 2022 | $82,071 | Actual |
| 2023 | $84,798 | Actual |
| 2024 | $78,398 | Actual |
| 2025 | $88,718 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $91,309 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $93,975 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Norfolk metropolitan area, the median mechanical engineer salary grew 17.7% from $75,356 (2019) to $88,718 (2025). At a 2.92% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $93,975 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,619 (24.71%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Norfolk 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $71,440 – $77,437 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $77,437 – $91,309 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $91,309 – $113,572 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $113,572 – $136,192 |
ME, PE salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual mechanical engineer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Mechanical Engineer Job Market in Norfolk
Currently, there are only six mechanical engineers employed in Norfolk, making the local job market quite selective. The cost-of-living index in the area stands at 91.5, indicating that housing and everyday expenses are lower than national averages. This affordability enhances purchasing power, even when salaries are below national medians. Among the local employers, aerospace and defense companies, particularly in burgeoning aerospace initiatives, tend to offer higher wages compared to traditional automotive manufacturers. The disparity between lower and higher pay can often be attributed to industry sector, with aerospace roles frequently commanding premiums for equity and skills like security clearance. Mechanical engineers aiming to maximize their salaries in Norfolk should consider pursuing professional engineering licensure, focusing on sectors with high demand, and potentially seeking opportunities in engineering consulting, where industry shifts and project-based work may offer superior financial incentives.
More salary data for Norfolk, NE:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $88,718 for mechanical engineersin the Norfolk metropolitan area. A 2.92% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Norfolk 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