Mechanical Engineer Hourly Pay in Topeka, KS: $48.79 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a mechanical engineer working in Topeka, KS runs $48.79 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $101,500 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2141). Weighted against Topeka's regional price level (BEA RPP 88.8, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $54.94 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $60,895 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
Mechanical engineers in Topeka, Kansas, can expect a median hourly rate of $48.79 in 2026, which positions them slightly below the national median of $51.51. This hourly pay reflects the demand for mechanical engineers across various sectors, including technology, aerospace, and automotive engineering. In typical work environments—such as CAD-equipped offices, manufacturing floors, and HVAC project sites—this rate is especially favorable for part-time and per-diem workers. For those working three days a week, the flexibility in scheduling can lead to enhanced work-life balance while still providing a competitive wage. Furthermore, the hourly rates range significantly, from $37.47 for entry-level positions to $64.59 for top earners in the field, offering a clear pathway for advancement.
Mechanical Engineer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37.47 | $299.79 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41.39 | $331.16 |
| Median (P50) | $48.79 | $390.35 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50.74 | $405.92 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $64.59 | $516.74 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Topeka
Based on $48.79/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $48.79/hr, a mechanical engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Topeka, KS can expect to earn approximately $101,492 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $58,553. With a cost-of-living index of 88.82 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Topeka.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Topeka
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,951.77 | $8,458 | $101,492 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,171.06 | $5,075 | $60,895 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $780.71 | $3,383 | $40,597 |
Compare ME, PE Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineer (Topeka) | $48.79 |
| Civil Engineer (National Avg) | $47.06 |
| Electrical Engineer (National Avg) | $54.18 |
| Industrial Engineer (National Avg) | $47.50 |
| Aerospace Engineer (National Avg) | $63.06 |
Mechanical Engineers in Topeka, KS earn a median of $101,500 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.27% lower than the national median of $107,150 and 4.20% above the Kansas state average of $97,409.
Mechanical Engineer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $48.79/hr = $60,895/year (purchasing power: $68,560).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $101,492/year (purchasing power: $114,267).
CoL index: 88.82 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$37.04/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$47.41/hr
2026 Current Est.
$48.79/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+35.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Mechanical Engineers in Topeka (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.92% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37.04/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $37.55/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.41/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.62/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $39.54/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $47.24/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $47.41/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48.79/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50.22/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for mechanical engineers in Topeka grew 28.0% from $37.04/hr (2019) to $47.41/hr (2025). At a 2.92% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $50.22/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem mechanical engineers can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Topeka 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.
Working as an Hourly Mechanical Engineer in Topeka
Exploring the financial realities of part-time mechanical engineers reveals distinct earning potential differences. Those working 24 hours a week might take home a modest annual income compared to full-time counterparts, potentially missing out on benefits that often accompany full-time roles. In the realm of per-diem mechanical engineer pay in Topeka, contract workers might charge between $90 and $160 per hour, with specialized positions in HVAC or aerospace tapping into rates as high as $220 per hour for security-cleared engineers. Employer type plays a significant role in hourly pay variance—automotive and aerospace giants like Tesla, Boeing, or Lockheed Martin often offer premium rates to attract talent, while engineering consultancies might provide lower base rates but with added benefits. Negotiating hourly work in Topeka requires a strategic approach; engineers should consider their total compensation package versus hourly wage, weighing health benefits against higher-paid contract work without bonuses. As the sector continues to evolve, understanding these dynamics will be essential for navigating mechanical engineer hourly pay in Topeka, KS.
More salary data for Topeka, KS:
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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.92% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for mechanical engineers in Topeka. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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