Electrical Engineer Hourly Pay in Liberal, KS: $50.96 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a electrical engineer working in Liberal, KS runs $50.96 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $106,003 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2071). Weighted against Liberal's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.9, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $56.07 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $63,604 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Liberal, Kansas, the electrical engineer hourly pay stands at a median of $50.96, which is significantly below the national average of $60.11. This rate reflects the local demand for engineers and the area’s cost of living index, which sits at 90.9, indicating lower expenses compared to the national average. For part-time electrical engineers working three days per week, this hourly wage translates into a stable income, especially in environments like tech company hardware labs or utility field engineering settings. The substantial range of hourly pay—from $35.87 for entry-level positions to as high as $75.47 for the most experienced engineers—demonstrates the competitive edge for specialized skills, particularly in sectors such as defense contracting or semiconductor design, which are prevalent in the broader region.
About the Liberal Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($102,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Electrical Engineer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35.87 | $286.99 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41.28 | $330.27 |
| Median (P50) | $50.96 | $407.72 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $61.31 | $490.47 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $75.47 | $603.74 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Liberal
Based on $50.96/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $50.96/hr, a electrical engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Liberal, KS can expect to earn approximately $106,007 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $61,158. With a cost-of-living index of 90.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Liberal.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Liberal
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,038.59 | $8,834 | $106,007 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,223.15 | $5,300 | $63,604 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $815.44 | $3,534 | $42,403 |
Compare EE Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Electrical Engineer (Liberal) | $50.96 |
| Mechanical Engineer (National Avg) | $48.61 |
| Computer Hardware Engineer (National Avg) | $69.00 |
| Electronics Engineer (National Avg) | $58.25 |
| Electrical Engineering Technician (National Avg) | $35.08 |
Electrical Engineers in Liberal, KS earn a median of $106,003 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.22% lower than the national median of $125,033 and 6.70% below the Kansas state average of $113,615.
Electrical Engineer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $50.96/hr = $63,604/year (purchasing power: $69,971).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $106,007/year (purchasing power: $116,619).
CoL index: 90.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$40.16/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$49.17/hr
2026 Current Est.
$50.96/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+31.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Electrical Engineers in Liberal (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.65% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40.16/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $41.10/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $40.93/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $42.11/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $43.59/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $41.57/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $49.17/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50.96/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52.82/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for electrical engineers in Liberal grew 22.4% from $40.16/hr (2019) to $49.17/hr (2025). At a 3.65% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $52.82/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem electrical engineers can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Liberal 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.
Working as an Hourly Electrical Engineer in Liberal
When considering part-time work, an electrical engineer in Liberal, who opts for a 24-hour work week, can expect to take home a significant income over the course of a year, although still less than full-time colleagues. Interestingly, those pursuing per diem or contract roles—especially in security-sensitive areas—can charge rates considerably higher, often between $90 to $170 per hour for routine consultancy, while highly specialized roles might command anywhere from $200 to $400 per hour. Variances in pay also arise from the type of employer; tech giants and defense contractors tend to pay more due to the skills and clearances required, yielding a notable security clearance premium. While some engineers might opt for lower hourly rates with benefits from larger companies, others might prefer the flexibility and higher pay of contract work despite the lack of stability. For engineers negotiating their hourly rate in Liberal, it is important to highlight specific skills that align with the needs of prospective employers while being clear about value in both cash compensation and job security.
More salary data for Liberal, 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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 3.65% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for electrical engineers in Liberal. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Liberal 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