Liberal vs Olathe: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Liberal, KS and Olathe, KS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Liberal, KS | Olathe, KS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $106,003 | $114,043▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $50.96 | $54.83▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $74,615 | $74,664▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $85,874 | $88,864▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $127,532 | $143,101▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $156,978 | $176,767▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 33▲ |
Verdict
Olathe, KS offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Liberal.
The salary gap between Liberal and Olathe is $8,040 (7.58%). Olathe's median is -8.79% compared to the US national median of $125,033.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Liberal spans $82,363,Olathe spans $102,103. Olathe 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, Olathe ($125,460 effective) pays 7.58% more than Liberal ($116,615 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Liberal if…
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Choose Olathe if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($114,043/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($176,767)
- ✓Larger job market (33 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $125,460)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrical engineer salaries in Liberal grew 18.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 18.3% growth in Olathe over the same period.
Liberal, KS
$86,475 (2024) → $102,270 (2025)
Olathe, KS
$93,035 (2024) → $110,027 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Liberal, KS
Olathe, KS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electrical engineers more: Liberal or Olathe?
What is the hourly rate difference between Liberal and Olathe?
Should I relocate from Liberal to Olathe as a electrical engineer?
What do entry-level electrical engineers earn in Liberal vs Olathe?
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