Grand Island vs La Vista: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Grand Island, NE and La Vista, NE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Grand Island, NE | La Vista, NE |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $93,301▲ | $88,178 |
| Hourly Rate | $44.86▲ | $42.40 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,713▲ | $65,780 |
| 25th Percentile | $84,177▲ | $73,360 |
| 75th Percentile | $129,242▲ | $110,725 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $134,722 | $134,818▲ |
| Total Employed | 40▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Grand Island, NE offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to La Vista.
The salary gap between Grand Island and La Vista is $5,123 (5.81%). 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 Grand Island spans $55,009,La Vista spans $69,038. La Vista has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced civil engineers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Grand Island ($107,667 effective) pays 11.72% more than La Vista ($96,369 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 ($93,301/year)
- ✓Larger job market (40 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $107,667)
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Choose La Vista if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($134,818)
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Grand Island grew 30.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 14.6% growth in La Vista over the same period.
Grand Island, NE
$69,860 (2019) → $90,910 (2025)
La Vista, NE
$74,977 (2024) → $85,918 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Grand Island, NE
La Vista, NE
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Grand Island or La Vista?
What is the hourly rate difference between Grand Island and La Vista?
Should I relocate from Grand Island to La Vista as a civil engineer?
What do entry-level civil engineers earn in Grand Island vs La Vista?
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