Mechanical Engineer Salary in Hays, KS: $91,193 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time mechanical engineer in Hays, KS earns a median $91,193/year (≈ $43.84/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2141). Once you factor in Hays's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 90.9), that paycheck buys what $100,322 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.4% below the Kansas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Mechanical engineers in Hays, KS, can expect a median annual salary of $91,193 in 2026. Compared to the national median of $107,150, this reflects a salary that is approximately 14.89% lower. The salary range for this occupation is quite varied, spanning from $72,467 at the 10th percentile to $136,706 at the 90th percentile. These figures, derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional price levels, highlight a local job market that supports a diverse landscape of mechanical engineering roles. Particularly for engineers pursuing a PE license, especially in the HVAC and building systems sectors, this pathway could significantly enhance earnings potential in the Hays area.
About the Hays Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $72,467 | $34.84 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $77,935 | $37.47 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $91,193 | $43.84 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $114,057 | $54.84 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $136,706 | $65.72 |
Median Salary Position
14.89% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hays
In Hays, KS, the mechanical engineer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $64,239 (2026 est.). At $91,193, the local median is 14.89% below the national median of $107,150.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Hays: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Hays Mechanical Engineer Pay Compares
Hays median: $91,193/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Hays Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas Average | $97,429 | -6.40% less |
| National Average | $107,150 | -14.89% less |
Mechanical Engineers in Hays, KS earn a median of $91,193 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.89% lower than the national median of $107,150 and 6.40% below the Kansas state average of $97,429.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Hays has a cost of living 9.10% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Hays, KS has a cost-of-living index of 90.9 (below the national average of 100). A mechanical engineer earning $91,193 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $100,322 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.01% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$75,261
2025 BLS Actual
$88,606
2026 Current Est.
$91,193
2019–2027 Growth
+24.7%
Salary Trajectory for Mechanical Engineers in Hays (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.92% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $75,261 | Actual |
| 2020 | $76,733 | Actual |
| 2021 | $81,108 | Actual |
| 2022 | $81,968 | Actual |
| 2023 | $84,691 | Actual |
| 2024 | $78,299 | Actual |
| 2025 | $88,606 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $91,193 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $93,856 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Hays metropolitan area, the median mechanical engineer salary grew 17.7% from $75,261 (2019) to $88,606 (2025). At a 2.92% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $93,856 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,595 (24.71%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hays 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $72,467 – $77,935 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $77,935 – $91,193 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $91,193 – $114,057 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $114,057 – $136,706 |
ME, PE salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual mechanical engineer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Mechanical Engineer Job Market in Hays
While the mechanical engineer job market in Hays employs only five individuals in this field, the cost of living index at 90.9 suggests a favorable economic environment for those earning a competitive salary. Local employers across several industries determine compensation, with aerospace and defense companies, such as Boeing and SpaceX, typically offering the highest pay compared to automotive and consumer product sectors. The variation between lower and higher salaries can be attributed to industry demand, the pursuit of a PE license, and the potential for security clearances that enhance military contracting roles. For mechanical engineers focused on maximizing their earning potential in Hays, pursuing advanced certifications and exploring opportunities in high-paying industries like aerospace or gaining experience in electric vehicles and renewable energy could be worthwhile strategies.
More salary data for Hays, 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
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. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $88,606 for mechanical engineersin the Hays metropolitan area. A 2.92% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Hays is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
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