Kansas City vs University City: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Kansas City, MO and University City, MO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Kansas City, MO | University City, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $114,782▲ | $113,027 |
| Hourly Rate | $55.18▲ | $54.34 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,930▲ | $72,639 |
| 25th Percentile | $92,238▲ | $86,579 |
| 75th Percentile | $139,337 | $141,406▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $172,795▲ | $162,707 |
| Total Employed | 1,760▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Kansas City, MO offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to University City.
The salary gap between Kansas City and University City is $1,755 (1.55%). Kansas City's median is -8.20% compared to the US national median of $125,033.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Kansas City spans $91,865,University City spans $90,068. 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, University City ($126,146 effective) pays 1.71% more than Kansas City ($124,031 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 ($114,782/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($172,795)
- ✓Larger job market (1,760 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Choose University City if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $126,146)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrical engineer salaries in Kansas City grew 27.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 21.0% growth in University City over the same period.
Kansas City, MO
$86,580 (2019) → $110,740 (2025)
University City, MO
$90,101 (2024) → $109,047 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Kansas City, MO
University City, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electrical engineers more: Kansas City or University City?
What is the hourly rate difference between Kansas City and University City?
Should I relocate from Kansas City to University City as a electrical engineer?
What do entry-level electrical engineers earn in Kansas City vs University City?
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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