Average Materials Engineers Salary in Wichita, KS
Materials Engineers in Wichita, KS, earn an average annual salary of $107,750. This figure is slightly below the national average of $115,480, reflecting a localized market dynamic. The specific industrial landscape and demand within Wichita significantly influence compensation for these specialized roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $107,750 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $152,460.
- Outlook: Wichita presents a robust employment landscape for Materials Engineers, evidenced by a substantial local workforce of 200 professionals. The exceptionally high Location Quotient of 4.4 indicates a significantly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting strong and sustained demand within the region's key industries.
Salary Overview
The average Materials Engineers in Wichita, KS earns-6.7%below the national average.
$51.8
$2,072
$8,979
Materials Engineers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that Materials Engineer salaries in Wichita have experienced consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic expansion, increased demand for advanced materials, and inflation typically drive upward adjustments in compensation for skilled professionals in this field.
Materials Engineers Salary Distribution in Wichita, KS
Salary progression for Materials Engineers in Wichita typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles, while senior engineers with extensive expertise and leadership responsibilities can command salaries in the upper percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies clear career advancement opportunities and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $81,230 | $39.1 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $80,813 | $38.9 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $97,200 | $46.7 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $134,688 | $64.8 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $152,460 | $73.3 |
Detailed Materials Engineers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$107,750
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$107,750
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average Materials Engineer salary of $107,750 in Wichita aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the nominal salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, providing a stable financial foundation for professionals considering a move to the area.
Job Market Context
200
Total Jobs
0.65
Per 1K Jobs
4.4
Location Quotient
Wichita, KS has 4.4x the national concentration of Materials Engineers jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
Wichita's Location Quotient of 4.4 for Materials Engineers signifies a highly concentrated job market, far exceeding the national average. This indicates that the demand for these professionals is significantly elevated within Wichita's industrial base, making it a potentially advantageous location for job seekers and specialists in this field.
Nearby Job Markets
Hiring Materials Engineerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Materials Engineers make in Wichita, KS?
The median annual salary for a Materials Engineers in Wichita, KS is $107,750. This typically ranges from $81,230 for entry-level positions to $152,460 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Wichita, KS is 6.7% lower than the national median of $115,480.
Is Wichita, KS a lucrative place for Materials Engineers?
Yes, with a caveat.Wichita offers a strong concentration of Materials Engineer roles (LQ of 4.4) with an average salary of $107,750, which aligns with the national cost of living. While the nominal salary is slightly below the national average, the high demand and stable cost of living present a favorable economic environment.
Is Wichita, KS a good place to live for Materials 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 Materials Engineer salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for Materials Engineers in Wichita, KS is $107,750, which is approximately 6.7% lower than the national average of $115,480.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) in Wichita?
A Location Quotient of 4.4 means that Materials Engineers are more than four times as concentrated in Wichita compared to the national average, indicating a high demand and specialized industry presence.
How does the cost of living in Wichita affect the Materials Engineer salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Wichita's cost of living is exactly at the national average. This means the $107,750 salary provides purchasing power equivalent to the national average, making it a fair compensation relative to expenses.
What is the total number of Materials Engineers in Wichita?
There are approximately 200 Materials Engineers employed in Wichita, KS, representing a significant local workforce for this specialized profession.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 200 employees in the Wichita, KS area with a job density of 0.65 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Materials Engineers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Wichita, KS