Leawood vs Manhattan: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Leawood, KS and Manhattan, KS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Leawood, KS | Manhattan, KS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $90,526 | $98,556▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $43.53 | $47.38▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,039▲ | $51,233 |
| 25th Percentile | $72,286 | $74,889▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $115,628 | $127,230▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $140,315▲ | $132,352 |
| Total Employed | 5 | 180▲ |
Verdict
Manhattan, KS offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Leawood.
The salary gap between Leawood and Manhattan is $8,030 (8.87%). Manhattan's median is -4.77% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Leawood spans $74,276,Manhattan spans $81,119. Manhattan has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced civil engineers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Manhattan ($109,310 effective) pays 9.76% more than Leawood ($99,589 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Leawood if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($140,315)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Choose Manhattan if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($98,556/year)
- ✓Larger job market (180 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $109,310)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Leawood grew 14.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 30.7% growth in Manhattan over the same period.
Leawood, KS
$76,975 (2024) → $88,206 (2025)
Manhattan, KS
$73,490 (2019) → $96,030 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Leawood, KS
Manhattan, KS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Leawood or Manhattan?
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Written by Jordan Chen, P.E.
Career Analyst
Jordan Chen has 10 years of experience in structural engineering. He works primarily in urban infrastructure projects.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.63% 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 Jordan Chen, P.E., a licensed civil engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov