Mechanical Engineer Salary in Kansas: $96,968 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across Kansas's 22 metropolitan areas, the average median mechanical engineer pay sits at $96,968/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 17-2141. Because Kansas sits at BEA RPP 90.9 (9% below the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $106,675 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Kansas City ($100,264), Topeka ($98,620), Overland Park ($96,183).
In 2026, mechanical engineers in Kansas are projected to earn an average median salary of $96,968, which is 9.5% lower than the national median of $107,150. The salary range across the state shows differences among cities, with Kansas City offering the highest average at $103,192 and Manhattan the lowest at $85,629. This gap can be attributed to factors such as local demand for engineering talent, cost of living variations, and the presence of key industries in different regions. Licensing requirements in Kansas for mechanical engineers align with national standards, focusing on education, experience, and examinations. The state's job market is expected to grow with a compound annual growth rate of 2.92%, indicating steady demand for engineers in various sectors. Top cities for employment and salaries in 2026 include Topeka at $101,500, Overland Park at $98,992, Lawrence at $97,764, and Olathe at $97,732. Each of these cities has distinct industry needs and local economies that influence salary levels. In summary, while salaries in Kansas are lower than the national average, growth opportunities persist, making it a viable option for mechanical engineers considering employment in the state.
Kansas Mechanical Engineer Salary Range
Overall salary range in Kansas: $64,984 (lowest entry-level) to $159,947 (highest top earner)
Kansas vs National Average
Kansas mechanical engineers earn 9.5% less than the national median ($-10,182/year difference).
Kansas Mechanical Engineer Salary Distribution (2026)
Mechanical Engineer salaries in Kansas range from $69,542 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $143,666 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $96,968. The Kansas median is $10,182 below the US national median of $107,150. The average hourly rate is $46.62/hr. Approximately 1,301 mechanical engineers are employed across 22 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$80,048
2025 BLS Actual
$94,217
2026 Current Est.
$96,968
2019–2027 Growth
+24.7%
Salary Trajectory for Mechanical Engineers in Kansas (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.92% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $80,048 | Actual |
| 2020 | $80,098 | Actual |
| 2021 | $75,459 | Actual |
| 2022 | $77,646 | Actual |
| 2023 | $83,128 | Actual |
| 2024 | $90,244 | Actual |
| 2025 | $94,217 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $96,968 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $99,800 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Kansas metropolitan area, the median mechanical engineer salary grew 17.7% from $80,048 (2019) to $94,217 (2025). At a 2.92% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $99,800 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,752 (24.68%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kansas 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.
Top 5 Highest Paying Cities in Kansas
Lowest Paying Cities in Kansas
Best Value Cities for Mechanical Engineers in Kansas
When adjusted for local cost of living, these Kansas cities offer the most purchasing power for mechanical engineers.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Topeka | $101,500 | 88.82 | $114,276 |
| Kansas City | $103,192 | 90.9 | $113,523 |
| Wichita | $97,373 | 88.946 | $109,474 |
| Overland Park | $98,992 | 90.9 | $108,902 |
| Lawrence | $97,764 | 90.243 | $108,334 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in Kansas
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $69,542 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $96,968 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $143,666 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across Kansas metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 22 Cities in Kansas
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kansas City | $103,192 |
| 2 | Topeka | $101,500 |
| 3 | Overland Park | $98,992 |
| 4 | Lawrence | $97,764 |
| 5 | Olathe | $97,732 |
| 6 | Lenexa | $97,494 |
| 7 | Wichita | $97,373 |
| 8 | Garden City | $96,529 |
| 9 | Derby | $96,046 |
| 10 | Hutchinson | $95,282 |
| 11 | Leavenworth | $95,252 |
| 12 | Shawnee | $94,948 |
| 13 | Salina | $94,247 |
| 14 | Leawood | $93,725 |
| 15 | Dodge City | $92,145 |
| 16 | Junction City | $91,852 |
| 17 | Prairie Village | $91,464 |
| 18 | Hays | $91,193 |
| 19 | Liberal | $90,841 |
| 20 | Gardner | $90,322 |
| 21 | Emporia | $89,918 |
| 22 | Manhattan | $85,629 |
More Kansas Salary Data
Hourly Rates
Explore mechanical engineer hourly pay in Kansas cities.
Senior / Experienced
Top earner salaries for experienced mechanical engineers.
Explore More Mechanical Engineer Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do mechanical engineers make in Kansas in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for mechanical engineers in Kansas?
How does Kansas mechanical engineer pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level mechanical engineer salary in Kansas?
How many mechanical engineers are employed in Kansas?
Which Kansas city offers the best value for mechanical engineers?
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
Statewide 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. A 2.92% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to each metro area's reported salary to estimate current 2026 mechanical engineer compensation across Kansas. State averages are employment-weighted across 22 metro areas — larger metro areas with more mechanical engineerscontribute proportionally more to the average, producing figures that better reflect typical compensation. Individual pay varies by city, employer, certifications, and experience.
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