Entry-Level Electrical Engineer Salary in Manhattan, KS: $70,777 (2026)
Quick Answer:New electrical engineers entering the Manhattan, KS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $70,777 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 17-2071, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Manhattan's local price level (BEA RPP 90.9 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $77,862 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($114,288) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Graduates entering the electrical engineering workforce in Manhattan, Kansas, can expect a starting salary around $70,777 in 2026. While this figure is lower than the city median of $114,288, new engineers should keep in mind that salary growth is quite achievable in this field, with projections indicating movement to approximately $86,133 within the first few years. As they gain experience, these individuals could eventually see their earnings approach the median and even reach the upper percentiles, given the right opportunities. Overall, Manhattan remains a favorable market for new graduates looking to embark on their engineering careers, particularly due to its relatively low cost of living index of 90.9, which can help stretch those initial salary figures further.
About the Manhattan Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($102,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Manhattan
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Manhattan
Entry-level electrical engineers in Manhattan, KS typically start between $70,777 and $86,133 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $99,051 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $114,288 — 8.59% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average electrical engineering program cost in Kansas of $48,000 represents just 67.82% of the starting electrical engineer pay ($70,777/year) in Manhattan. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates cover ABET-accredited undergraduate electrical engineering programs at public and private universities. Many electrical engineers pursue master's degrees or specialization in power, controls, or electronics.
EE Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Manhattan
- 1Research the Manhattan market: entry-level electrical engineer pay ranges from $70,777 to $86,133, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the electrical engineering field — employers in KS often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Manhattan, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Manhattan for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Manhattan's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Electrical Engineer Compensation Range
The electrical engineer wage spread in Manhattan is $99,051 ( 139.95%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $70,777, experienced hygienists can earn up to $169,828.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$56,216
2025 BLS Actual
$68,285
2026 Current Est.
$70,777
2019–2027 Growth
+30.5%
Salary Trajectory for Electrical Engineers in Manhattan (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.65% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56,216 | Actual |
| 2020 | $59,830 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,450 | Actual |
| 2022 | $58,410 | Actual |
| 2023 | $67,610 | Actual |
| 2024 | $62,480 | Actual |
| 2025 | $68,285 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $70,777 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $73,361 | Projected |
Entry-level electrical engineer compensation (10th percentile) in Manhattan, KS grew 21.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $56,216 in 2019 to $68,285 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $73,361. New graduates entering the Manhattan job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Manhattan metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.65% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your electrical engineering Career in Manhattan
In terms of employment opportunities for entry-level electrical engineers in Manhattan, major employers include local utilities and some tech consulting firms, although the semiconductor industry remains a dominant force. Companies like Apple, Nvidia, AMD, and Intel tend to recruit candidates with advanced degrees for more specialized roles, providing pathways for new grads to climb the ranks, especially if they pursue higher education like a Master's or a PhD. New graduates who have completed the FE exam can enhance their marketability and enter accelerated pathways towards obtaining their PE license, which is particularly valued in Kansas. Additionally, recent growth in electric vehicle technology, notably from firms such as Tesla, has shifted compensation trends, meaning that those capable of securing roles in innovative sectors are looking at improved pay. Overall, while initial salaries may be modest compared to national averages, the potential for salary increase over the first few years is promising for those who actively seek out opportunities, continuing education, and appropriate certifications.
More salary data for Manhattan, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for electrical engineers in Manhattan in 2026?
How fast do electrical engineer salaries grow in Manhattan?
Is electrical engineering school worth it in Manhattan?
What do new electrical engineers make right out of school in Manhattan?
How do I become a electrical engineer in Kansas?
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new electrical engineering graduates. A 3.65% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Manhattan. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Manhattan is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.65%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for electrical engineers (SOC 17-2071).
Compiled and verified by Amina Patel, MEng, PE, a licensed electrical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov