Topeka vs Wichita: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Topeka, KS and Wichita, KS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Topeka, KS | Wichita, KS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $129,905▲ | $102,075 |
| Hourly Rate | $62.45▲ | $49.08 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $84,578▲ | $67,611 |
| 25th Percentile | $104,137▲ | $81,821 |
| 75th Percentile | $130,651▲ | $128,671 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $159,082▲ | $151,930 |
| Total Employed | 220 | 400▲ |
Verdict
Topeka, KS offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Wichita.
The salary gap between Topeka and Wichita is $27,830 (27.26%). Topeka's median is +3.90% compared to the US national median of $125,033.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Topeka spans $74,504,Wichita spans $84,319. Wichita has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced electrical engineers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Topeka ($146,256 effective) pays 27.44% 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 Topeka if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($129,905/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($159,082)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $146,256)
- ✓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 Topeka grew 36.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 20.6% growth in Wichita over the same period.
Topeka, KS
$91,660 (2019) → $125,330 (2025)
Wichita, KS
$81,630 (2019) → $98,480 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Topeka, KS
Wichita, KS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electrical engineers more: Topeka or Wichita?
What is the hourly rate difference between Topeka and Wichita?
Should I relocate from Topeka to Wichita as a electrical engineer?
What do entry-level electrical engineers earn in Topeka vs Wichita?
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