Engineering Wichita, KS Pop. 397,532

Mechanical Engineer Salary in Wichita, Kansas

The median mechanical engineer salary in Wichita, KS is $81,864 per year, which is 15% below the national median and 2.3% below the Kansas state average.

City Median
$81,864
vs State Avg
$-1,926
vs National
$-14,446
Cost of Living
85%

Mechanical Engineer Pay in Wichita: What to Expect (2026)

Wichita offers a median mechanical engineer salary of $81,864, which is $1,926 below the Kansas state average of $83,790. Compared to the national median of $96,310, Wichita pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Wichita's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 85% of the national average. This means the $81,864 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $96,311 in an average-cost city. This makes Wichita an attractive option for mechanical engineers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for mechanical engineers in Wichita spans from $53,890 at the 10th percentile to $124,270 at the 90th percentile — a $70,380 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $55,250, while senior mechanical engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $117,300. With a population of 397,532, Wichita is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Mechanical Engineer Salary in Wichita by Experience

In Wichita, an entry-level mechanical engineer earns around $55,250, while experienced professionals earn up to $117,300 per year. The local cost of living index is 85% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$55,250
$-9,750 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$81,600
$-14,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$117,300
$-20,700 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Wichita, KS

Percentile Wichita
10th Percentile $53,890
25th Percentile $66,980
Median (50th) $81,864
75th Percentile $101,660
90th Percentile $124,270

Mechanical Engineer Salary in Other Kansas Cities

Overland Park, KS
$92,458
Pop. 197,238
Olathe, KS
$90,531
Pop. 141,290
Kansas City, KS
$84,753
Pop. 156,607
Topeka, KS
$79,937
Pop. 127,473

How to Become a Mechanical Engineer in Wichita

Education

Most mechanical engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Wichita and the surrounding Kansas area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

SolidWorks/CADThermodynamicsFEAManufacturingMaterials SciencePE License

Job Outlook

Nationally, mechanical engineer employment is projected to grow 2% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Wichita may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Wichita

Browse open mechanical engineer positions in Wichita, KS:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Mechanical Engineer Salary in Wichita

How much does a Mechanical Engineer make in Wichita, KS? ▼
The median mechanical engineer salary in Wichita, Kansas is $81,864 per year, which is 15% below the national median of $96,310. Salaries range from $53,890 (10th percentile) to $124,270 (90th percentile).
How much does a Mechanical Engineer make per hour in Wichita? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $81,864, a mechanical engineer in Wichita earns approximately $39 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Wichita compare to the Kansas state average for mechanical engineer pay? ▼
Wichita's median mechanical engineer salary of $81,864 is 2.3% below the Kansas state average of $83,790. The local cost of living index is 85% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Wichita, KS? ▼
Wichita has a cost of living index of 85% compared to the national average. This means a mechanical engineer salary of $81,864 in Wichita has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a mechanical engineer in Wichita? ▼
Most mechanical engineer positions in Wichita require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include SolidWorks/CAD, Thermodynamics, FEA, Manufacturing. The job market is projected to grow 2% nationally over the next decade.