Grand Island vs Papillion: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Grand Island, NE and Papillion, NE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Grand Island, NE | Papillion, NE |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $111,670▲ | $106,417 |
| Hourly Rate | $53.69▲ | $51.16 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $73,230 | $74,891▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $84,429 | $85,863▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $142,163▲ | $131,637 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $170,174▲ | $153,414 |
| Total Employed | 14▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Grand Island, NE offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Papillion.
The salary gap between Grand Island and Papillion is $5,253 (4.94%). Grand Island's median is -10.69% compared to the US national median of $125,033.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Grand Island spans $96,944,Papillion spans $78,523. Grand Island 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 ($122,044 effective) pays 4.94% more than Papillion ($116,303 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Grand Island if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($111,670/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($170,174)
- ✓Larger job market (14 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $122,044)
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Choose Papillion if…
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrical engineer salaries in Grand Island grew 15.0% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 18.3% growth in Papillion over the same period.
Grand Island, NE
$93,700 (2021) → $107,738 (2025)
Papillion, NE
$86,814 (2024) → $102,670 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Grand Island, NE
Papillion, NE
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electrical engineers more: Grand Island or Papillion?
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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