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Average Aerospace Engineers Salary in Wichita, KS

Aerospace Engineers in Wichita, KS, earn an average annual salary of $125,910. This figure is notably below the national average of $141,460, suggesting that while Wichita is a significant hub, specific market dynamics and regional economic factors may influence compensation levels for these specialized roles.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $125,910 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 15.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $162,700.
  • Outlook: Wichita, KS, boasts a substantial local workforce of 1,510 Aerospace Engineers, indicating a concentrated talent pool. With a Location Quotient of 11.08, the concentration of these professionals is over eleven times the national average, signaling robust local demand and a specialized industry presence that supports a significant number of jobs within the region.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$125,910

The average Aerospace Engineers in Wichita, KS earns-11.0%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$60.5

Weekly

$2,421

Monthly

$10,493

Aerospace Engineers Salary Distribution in Wichita, KS

The salary trajectory for Aerospace Engineers in Wichita, KS, escalates significantly with experience. Entry-level positions typically start at the lower percentiles, while senior engineers, with extensive expertise and project leadership, command salaries in the upper percentiles. This widening gap between entry-level and senior roles reflects the value placed on accumulated knowledge, specialized skills, and proven track records in the aerospace sector.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase.10% (Entry)$78,560$37.8
Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently.25% (Junior)$94,433$45.4
Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring.50% (Median)$127,050$61.1
Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact.75% (Senior)$157,388$75.7
Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation.90% (Expert)$162,700$78.2

Detailed Aerospace Engineers Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$125,910

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$125,910

Adjusted for COL (100)

An average annual salary of $125,910 in Wichita, KS, aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of an Aerospace Engineer's salary in Wichita is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial environment where the nominal income translates directly to real-world affordability.

Job Market Context

1,510

Total Jobs

4.918

Per 1K Jobs

11.08

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Wichita, KS has 11.1x the national concentration of Aerospace Engineers jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.

The exceptionally high Location Quotient of 11.08 for Aerospace Engineers in Wichita, KS, underscores a highly concentrated and specialized job market. This indicates that Wichita is a national center for aerospace engineering talent, making the job market competitive yet abundant for skilled professionals, with opportunities significantly exceeding the national distribution.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring Aerospace Engineerss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Aerospace Engineers make in Wichita, KS?

The median annual salary for a Aerospace Engineers in Wichita, KS is $125,910. This typically ranges from $78,560 for entry-level positions to $162,700 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Wichita, KS is 11.0% lower than the national median of $141,460.

Is Wichita, KS a lucrative place for Aerospace Engineers?

Yes, with caveats.While the average salary is below the national average, the high concentration of jobs and a cost of living at the national average make it a stable and opportunity-rich environment for Aerospace Engineers.

Is Wichita, KS a good place to live for Aerospace Engineers?

The Cost of Living Index in Wichita, KS is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

How does Wichita's Aerospace Engineer salary compare to the national average?

Aerospace Engineers in Wichita, KS, earn an average of $125,910 annually, which is $15,550 less than the national average of $141,460.

What is the concentration of Aerospace Engineers in Wichita, KS?

Wichita, KS has a very high concentration of Aerospace Engineers, indicated by a Location Quotient of 11.08, meaning the area has over eleven times the national average presence of these professionals.

How does the cost of living in Wichita, KS affect salary perception?

With a Cost of Living Index of 100, matching the national average, the $125,910 salary in Wichita offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, making it relatively affordable.

What does the high Location Quotient imply for job seekers?

A Location Quotient of 11.08 suggests that Wichita is a major hub for aerospace engineering, indicating a robust job market with significant demand for specialized talent, though competition may also be high.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,510 employees in the Wichita, KS area with a job density of 4.918 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Aerospace Engineers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Wichita, KS