Entry-Level Electrical Engineer Salary in Overland Park, KS: $68,887 (2026)
Quick Answer:New electrical engineers entering the Overland Park, KS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $68,887 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 17-2071, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Overland Park's local price level (BEA RPP 90.9 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $75,783 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($115,513) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Prospective new graduates entering the electrical engineering field in Overland Park, Kansas, should set realistic expectations for their starting pay. The entry-level electrical engineer salary in Overland Park is projected to begin at $68,887, representing a significant gap compared to the overall median salary for electrical engineers in the area, which stands at $115,513. For those new to the field, there is potential for growth within the first few years; as one gains experience and moves from the lower end of the pay scale toward the 25th percentile at $84,904, they may see a steady climb. With a positive growth trajectory reflecting a 3.65% annual rate, Overland Park presents a solid market for aspiring engineers, making it an appealing choice for new grads seeking their first role in the industry.
About the Overland Park Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($102,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Overland Park
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 Overland Park
Entry-level electrical engineers in Overland Park, KS typically start between $68,887 and $84,904 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $110,158 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $115,513 — 7.61% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average electrical engineering program cost in Kansas of $48,000 represents just 69.68% of the starting electrical engineer pay ($68,887/year) in Overland Park. 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 Overland Park
- 1Research the Overland Park market: entry-level electrical engineer pay ranges from $68,887 to $84,904, 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 Overland Park, 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 Overland Park for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Overland Park'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 Overland Park is $110,158 ( 159.91%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $68,887, experienced hygienists can earn up to $179,045.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$54,714
2025 BLS Actual
$66,461
2026 Current Est.
$68,887
2019–2027 Growth
+30.5%
Salary Trajectory for Electrical Engineers in Overland Park (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.65% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54,714 | Actual |
| 2020 | $56,320 | Actual |
| 2021 | $54,141 | Actual |
| 2022 | $56,850 | Actual |
| 2023 | $60,184 | Actual |
| 2024 | $59,212 | Actual |
| 2025 | $66,461 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $68,887 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $71,401 | Projected |
Entry-level electrical engineer compensation (10th percentile) in Overland Park, KS grew 21.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $54,714 in 2019 to $66,461 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $71,401. New graduates entering the Overland Park job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Overland Park 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 Overland Park
In Overland Park, several prominent employers actively seek entry-level electrical engineers. Major semiconductor companies like Apple, Nvidia, AMD, and Intel are known for recruiting new graduates, particularly those with advanced degrees; however, there are also opportunities for BSEE graduates with EIT credentials to enter the workforce in defense contracting, where companies such as Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman rely on a cleared internship pipeline to identify talent. Understanding the advantages of additional qualifications, such as passing the FE exam, can lead to better starting pay and career advancement. New grads should consider the varying demands of different sectors; while the semiconductor industry offers a premium wage, roles in utilities may provide stability and long-term benefits like pensions. Early career strategies should focus on obtaining credentials that align with industry growth areas, such as chip design or defense work, as these credentials can significantly influence salary expectations and career growth in the initial years post-graduation.
More salary data for Overland Park, 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
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 Overland Park. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Overland Park 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