Kansas City vs Olathe: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Kansas City, KS and Olathe, KS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Kansas City, KS | Olathe, KS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $115,512▲ | $114,043 |
| Hourly Rate | $55.54▲ | $54.83 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $68,900 | $74,664▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $84,913 | $88,864▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $146,748▲ | $143,101 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $177,173▲ | $176,767 |
| Total Employed | 25 | 33▲ |
Verdict
Kansas City, KS offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Olathe.
The salary gap between Kansas City and Olathe is $1,469 (1.29%). Kansas City's median is -7.61% compared to the US national median of $125,033.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Kansas City spans $108,273,Olathe spans $102,103. Kansas City has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Kansas City ($127,076 effective) pays 1.29% more than Olathe ($125,460 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Kansas City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($115,512/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($177,173)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $127,076)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Choose Olathe if…
- ✓Larger job market (33 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrical engineer salaries in Kansas City grew 18.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 18.3% growth in Olathe over the same period.
Kansas City, KS
$94,241 (2024) → $111,444 (2025)
Olathe, KS
$93,035 (2024) → $110,027 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Kansas City, KS
Olathe, KS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electrical engineers more: Kansas City or Olathe?
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Written by Amina Patel, MEng, PE
Career Analyst
Amina has over 10 years of experience in power systems engineering. She works at a utility company specializing in renewable energy integration.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.65% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Amina Patel, MEng, PE, a licensed electrical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov