Bellevue vs Kearney: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Bellevue, NE and Kearney, NE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bellevue, NE | Kearney, NE |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $110,782▲ | $110,170 |
| Hourly Rate | $53.27▲ | $52.97 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $70,804 | $75,251▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $85,140 | $87,934▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $141,801▲ | $138,852 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $171,408▲ | $164,577 |
| Total Employed | 15▲ | 9 |
Verdict
Bellevue, NE offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Kearney.
The salary gap between Bellevue and Kearney is $612 (0.56%). Bellevue's median is -11.40% compared to the US national median of $125,033.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bellevue spans $100,604,Kearney spans $89,326. 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, Bellevue ($121,073 effective) pays 0.56% more than Kearney ($120,404 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bellevue if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($110,782/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($171,408)
- ✓Larger job market (15 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $121,073)
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Choose Kearney if…
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrical engineer salaries in Bellevue grew 18.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 18.3% growth in Kearney over the same period.
Bellevue, NE
$90,375 (2024) → $106,881 (2025)
Kearney, NE
$89,875 (2024) → $106,290 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bellevue, NE
Kearney, NE
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electrical engineers more: Bellevue or Kearney?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bellevue and Kearney?
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Written by Amina Patel, MEng, PE
Career Analyst
Amina has over 10 years of experience in power systems engineering. She works at a utility company specializing in renewable energy integration.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.65% 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, MEng, PE, a licensed electrical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov