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Average Mechanical Engineers Salary in Wichita, KS

Mechanical Engineers in Wichita, KS, command an average annual salary of $95,960. This figure is notably below the national average of $109,640, suggesting that local market dynamics and industry specific demand play a significant role in compensation within this Midwestern hub. While lower than the national benchmark, the Wichita salary reflects the specific economic landscape of the region.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $95,960 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 12.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $132,630.
  • Outlook: Wichita, KS, hosts a dedicated workforce of 850 Mechanical Engineers, indicating a substantial local presence. With a Location Quotient of 1.49, the concentration of these professionals is significantly higher than the national average, pointing to a robust and potentially growing demand for their specialized skills within the Wichita metropolitan area.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$95,960

The average Mechanical Engineers in Wichita, KS earns-12.5%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$46.1

Weekly

$1,845

Monthly

$7,997

Mechanical Engineers Salary Distribution in Wichita, KS

Salary progression for Mechanical Engineers in Wichita is intrinsically linked to experience and expertise. Entry-level positions typically start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and a proven track record can command significantly higher salaries, often reaching into the upper percentiles. The gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies clear career advancement opportunities.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase.10% (Entry)$65,690$31.6
Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently.25% (Junior)$71,970$34.6
Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring.50% (Median)$91,770$44.1
Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact.75% (Senior)$119,950$57.7
Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation.90% (Expert)$132,630$63.8

Detailed Mechanical Engineers Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$95,960

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$95,960

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $95,960 in Wichita, KS, aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living, indicated by an index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Mechanical Engineer's salary in Wichita is equivalent to that of their counterparts in a typical U.S. city, offering a stable financial foundation.

Job Market Context

850

Total Jobs

2.769

Per 1K Jobs

1.49

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.49, Wichita, KS has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Mechanical Engineers roles compared to the national norm.

A Location Quotient of 1.49 for Mechanical Engineers in Wichita signifies a market where these professionals are more concentrated than the national average. This suggests a strong local industry presence that relies heavily on mechanical engineering talent, potentially leading to competitive opportunities for skilled individuals, though it also implies a potentially saturated market depending on job openings.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Mechanical Engineers

CitySalaryDist.
Kansas nonmetropolitan area Mechanical Engineers Salary$89,060↓ 7%67 mi

Comparing salaries near Wichita, KS

Hiring Mechanical Engineerss?

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The median annual salary for a Mechanical Engineers in Wichita, KS is $95,960. This typically ranges from $65,690 for entry-level positions to $132,630 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Wichita, KS is 12.5% lower than the national median of $109,640.

Is Wichita, KS a lucrative place for Mechanical Engineers?

Yes, with a caveat.While the average salary is below the national average, the cost of living is also at the national average, making the nominal salary's purchasing power comparable. The high concentration of engineers (LQ 1.49) suggests strong local demand.

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

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

Where are the highest paying cities near Wichita, KS?

Some top paying nearby cities include Kansas nonmetropolitan area ($89,060) and others.

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

The average salary for Mechanical Engineers in Wichita, KS, is $95,960, which is lower than the national average of $109,640.

What is the Cost of Living in Wichita, KS?

Wichita, KS, has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning it is neither significantly more nor less expensive to live there than in a typical U.S. city.

Is there a high demand for Mechanical Engineers in Wichita?

With a Location Quotient of 1.49, Mechanical Engineers are more concentrated in Wichita than the national average, indicating a strong local demand for their skills.

How many Mechanical Engineers work in Wichita, KS?

Wichita, KS, has a local workforce of approximately 850 Mechanical Engineers.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 850 employees in the Wichita, KS area with a job density of 2.769 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

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