Lawrence vs Olathe: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Lawrence, KS and Olathe, KS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lawrence, KS | Olathe, KS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $114,927▲ | $114,043 |
| Hourly Rate | $55.26▲ | $54.83 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $69,335 | $74,664▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $91,779▲ | $88,864 |
| 75th Percentile | $144,125▲ | $143,101 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $172,084 | $176,767▲ |
| Total Employed | 22 | 33▲ |
Verdict
Lawrence and Olathe are closely matched on overall electrical engineer compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Lawrence and Olathe is $884 (0.78%). Lawrence's median is -8.08% compared to the US national median of $125,033.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lawrence spans $102,749,Olathe spans $102,103. Lawrence 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, Lawrence ($126,432 effective) pays 0.78% 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 Lawrence if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($114,927/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $126,432)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Choose Olathe if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($176,767)
- ✓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 Lawrence grew 39.7% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 18.3% growth in Olathe over the same period.
Lawrence, KS
$79,380 (2021) → $110,880 (2025)
Olathe, KS
$93,035 (2024) → $110,027 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lawrence, KS
Olathe, KS
Frequently Asked Questions
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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