Senior Electrical Engineer Salary in Manhattan, KS: $169,828 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of electrical engineers working in Manhattan, KS — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $169,828/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 17-2071. Strip back Manhattan's price premium (BEA RPP 90.9, 9% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $186,829 in average-cost America. The 49% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the potential for experienced electrical engineers in Manhattan, Kansas, is robust, with top-tier salaries reaching up to $169,828 for the highest earners. The median salary of $114,288 illustrates a significant experience premium when comparing it to these top figures. This gap highlights the value of extensive industry experience, often acquired through years of tackling complex projects and leading teams. Achieving such high compensation generally involves specialization in high-demand areas like analog circuit design or embedded systems, coupled with advanced credentials such as a PE license or graduate degrees, which further elevate prospects for seasoned professionals in the Manhattan job market.
About the Manhattan Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($102,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Manhattan
Experienced electrical engineers at the top of the pay scale in Manhattan earn between $142,544 and $169,828 per year (2026 est.). This $99,051 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Manhattan median of $114,288 sits 8.59% below the US median.
Top EE Salary Comparison
| Level | Manhattan | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $114,288 | $125,033 |
| 75th Percentile | $142,544 | $158,533 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $169,828 | $191,027 |
In Manhattan, experienced electrical engineers (P90) earn 48.60% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Electrical Engineer Pay in Manhattan
Advanced Certifications in Kansas
KS electrical engineers with additional specialty certifications within the electrical engineering field earn significantly above the $114,288 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Manhattan employers.
Specialty Focus
Electrical Engineers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the electrical engineering field in Manhattan command premium compensation, often reaching the $142,544–$169,828 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Manhattan metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced electrical engineers who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured electrical engineers in Manhattan with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Electrical Engineers in Kansas who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Electrical Engineer Career & Wage Growth Path in Manhattan
Clinical Electrical Engineer
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Electrical Engineer
5-10 yearsElectrical Engineer Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedManhattan ranks #6 of 22 Kansas cities for top earner electrical engineer salary (90th percentile: $169,828).
Top 10% electrical engineer compensation in Manhattan ($169,828) is 7.05% above the Kansas average P90 ($158,640).
2019 BLS Actual
$138,582
2025 BLS Actual
$163,848
2026 Current Est.
$169,828
2019–2027 Growth
+27.0%
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 | $138,582 | Actual |
| 2020 | $120,040 | Actual |
| 2021 | $122,510 | Actual |
| 2022 | $148,441 | Actual |
| 2023 | $124,500 | Actual |
| 2024 | $126,800 | Actual |
| 2025 | $163,848 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $169,828 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $176,027 | Projected |
Top-earning electrical engineers (90th percentile) in Manhattan saw their compensation grow 18.2% from $138,582 in 2019 to $163,848 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 3.65% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $176,027 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
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.
Maximizing Your Electrical Engineer Earnings in Manhattan
As Manhattan continues to develop its industrial presence, specific areas within electrical engineering are increasingly rewarding. Specializations in RF/microwave design, semiconductor processing, and power electronics often attract higher salaries from top technology firms like Nvidia and Intel, while roles at defense contractors such as Lockheed Martin can offer additional pay premiums due to security clearance requirements. Compensation varies significantly depending on the employer; tech companies typically pay more than utilities or automotive firms, reflecting market demand and operational budgets. Advancement opportunities abound, from progressing from design engineer to principal roles or climbing the management ladder to positions such as VP of Engineering. Moreover, possessing a master's degree or PhD can further enhance earning potential within competitive sectors. The diverse paths available in Manhattan, along with strong non-salary benefits, make senior electrical engineering positions a compelling career choice for many professionals in the field.
More salary data for Manhattan, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced electrical engineers make in Manhattan in 2026?
What drives higher electrical engineer pay in Manhattan?
What certifications boost electrical engineer salary in Manhattan?
Can experienced electrical engineers make six figures in Manhattan?
How much does electrical engineer salary increase over time in Manhattan?
Related Pages
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $163,848 for electrical engineers in the Manhattan metro area. A 3.65% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
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