Liberal vs Wichita: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Liberal, KS and Wichita, KS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Liberal, KS | Wichita, KS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $106,003▲ | $102,075 |
| Hourly Rate | $50.96▲ | $49.08 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $74,615▲ | $67,611 |
| 25th Percentile | $85,874▲ | $81,821 |
| 75th Percentile | $127,532 | $128,671▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $156,978▲ | $151,930 |
| Total Employed | 4 | 400▲ |
Verdict
Liberal, KS offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Wichita.
The salary gap between Liberal and Wichita is $3,928 (3.85%). Liberal's median is -15.22% 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,Wichita spans $84,319. Wichita 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, Liberal ($116,615 effective) pays 1.62% more than Wichita ($114,761 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Liberal if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($106,003/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($156,978)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $116,615)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Choose Wichita if…
- ✓Larger job market (400 employed)
- ✓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 20.6% growth in Wichita over the same period.
Liberal, KS
$86,475 (2024) → $102,270 (2025)
Wichita, KS
$81,630 (2019) → $98,480 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Liberal, KS
Wichita, 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
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