Manhattan vs Wichita: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Manhattan, KS and Wichita, KS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Manhattan, KS | Wichita, KS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $114,288▲ | $102,075 |
| Hourly Rate | $54.94▲ | $49.08 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $70,777▲ | $67,611 |
| 25th Percentile | $86,133▲ | $81,821 |
| 75th Percentile | $142,544▲ | $128,671 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $169,828▲ | $151,930 |
| Total Employed | 14 | 400▲ |
Verdict
Manhattan, KS offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Wichita.
The salary gap between Manhattan and Wichita is $12,213 (11.96%). Manhattan's median is -8.59% compared to the US national median of $125,033.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Manhattan spans $99,051,Wichita spans $84,319. Manhattan 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, Manhattan ($125,729 effective) pays 9.56% more than Wichita ($114,761 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Manhattan if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($114,288/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($169,828)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $125,729)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Choose Wichita if…
- ✓Larger job market (400 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrical engineer salaries in Manhattan grew 18.4% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 20.6% growth in Wichita over the same period.
Manhattan, KS
$93,150 (2020) → $110,263 (2025)
Wichita, KS
$81,630 (2019) → $98,480 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Manhattan, KS
Wichita, KS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electrical engineers more: Manhattan or Wichita?
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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