Mechanical Engineer Salary in Emporia, KS: $89,918 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time mechanical engineer in Emporia, KS earns a median $89,918/year (≈ $43.23/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2141). Once you factor in Emporia's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 90.9), that paycheck buys what $98,920 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.7% below the Kansas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Emporia, KS, the outlook for mechanical engineer salary in 2026 is promising, with a projected median of $89,918. This figure reflects a diverse job market shaped by local industries, particularly in aerospace with companies like SpaceX and Boeing, compared to the automotive focus seen with Tesla and Detroit firms, as well as HVAC systems manufacturing. The salary range for local mechanical engineers spans from $69,422 at the 10th percentile to $135,524 at the 90th percentile, underlining the variation based on experience and specific industry demands. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data with regional cost adjustments, suggest an evolving employment landscape for engineers in Emporia as the economy adapts to technological advances and industry shifts.
About the Emporia Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $69,422 | $33.38 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $75,296 | $36.20 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $89,918 | $43.23 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $112,981 | $54.32 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $135,524 | $65.16 |
Median Salary Position
16.08% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Emporia
In Emporia, KS, the mechanical engineer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $66,102 (2026 est.). At $89,918, the local median is 16.08% below the national median of $107,150.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Emporia: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Emporia Mechanical Engineer Pay Compares
Emporia median: $89,918/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Emporia Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas Average | $97,419 | -7.70% less |
| National Average | $107,150 | -16.08% less |
Mechanical Engineers in Emporia, KS earn a median of $89,918 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.08% lower than the national median of $107,150 and 7.70% below the Kansas state average of $97,419.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Emporia has a cost of living 9.10% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Emporia, KS has a cost-of-living index of 90.9 (below the national average of 100). A mechanical engineer earning $89,918 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $98,920 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.01% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$74,209
2025 BLS Actual
$87,367
2026 Current Est.
$89,918
2019–2027 Growth
+24.7%
Salary Trajectory for Mechanical Engineers in Emporia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.92% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $74,209 | Actual |
| 2020 | $75,660 | Actual |
| 2021 | $79,974 | Actual |
| 2022 | $80,821 | Actual |
| 2023 | $83,507 | Actual |
| 2024 | $77,205 | Actual |
| 2025 | $87,367 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $89,918 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $92,544 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Emporia metropolitan area, the median mechanical engineer salary grew 17.7% from $74,209 (2019) to $87,367 (2025). At a 2.92% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $92,544 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,335 (24.71%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Emporia 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 2.92% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $69,422 – $75,296 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $75,296 – $89,918 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $89,918 – $112,981 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $112,981 – $135,524 |
ME, PE salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual mechanical engineer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Mechanical Engineer Job Market in Emporia
Examining the local job market reveals that there are currently only five mechanical engineers employed in the Emporia area, indicating a small but potentially lucrative field. The cost-of-living index sits at 90.9, suggesting that take-home pay may stretch further than it would in more expensive regions. Emporia's best-paying opportunities often emerge from industries tied to aerospace, where specialized skills may attract higher compensation, especially when considering roles requiring security clearance or advanced qualifications like the PE license. The pay disparity between the lowest and highest earners arises from various factors; aerospace and automotive engineering roles typically command higher salaries due to their demand for technical expertise and innovative contributions. For those in Emporia looking to maximize their earnings, pursuing advanced certifications or transitioning to high-growth sectors can significantly enhance their career prospects and financial rewards.
More salary data for Emporia, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Amina Patel, PE
Career Analyst
Amina has 10 years of experience in mechanical engineering. She specializes in thermal analysis and works in the automotive industry.
Methodology & Data Source
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $87,367 for mechanical engineersin the Emporia metropolitan area. A 2.92% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Emporia 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 2.92%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for mechanical engineers (SOC 17-2141).
Compiled and verified by Amina Patel, PE, a licensed mechanical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov