Olathe vs Salina: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Olathe, KS and Salina, KS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Olathe, KS | Salina, KS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $114,043▲ | $109,977 |
| Hourly Rate | $54.83▲ | $52.87 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $74,664 | $76,454▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $88,864▲ | $88,423 |
| 75th Percentile | $143,101▲ | $135,105 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $176,767▲ | $158,537 |
| Total Employed | 33▲ | 11 |
Verdict
Olathe, KS offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Salina.
The salary gap between Olathe and Salina is $4,066 (3.70%). Olathe's median is -8.79% compared to the US national median of $125,033.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Olathe spans $102,103,Salina spans $82,083. Olathe 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, Olathe ($125,460 effective) pays 3.70% more than Salina ($120,987 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Olathe if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($114,043/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($176,767)
- ✓Larger job market (33 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $125,460)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Choose Salina if…
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrical engineer salaries in Olathe grew 18.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 18.3% growth in Salina over the same period.
Olathe, KS
$93,035 (2024) → $110,027 (2025)
Salina, KS
$89,717 (2024) → $106,104 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Olathe, KS
Salina, 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