Lenexa vs Wichita: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Lenexa, KS and Wichita, KS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lenexa, KS | Wichita, KS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $94,166▲ | $86,527 |
| Hourly Rate | $45.27▲ | $41.60 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $61,970▲ | $50,022 |
| 25th Percentile | $72,620 | $75,710▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $120,533▲ | $111,405 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $145,957▲ | $136,231 |
| Total Employed | 12 | 540▲ |
Verdict
Lenexa, KS offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Wichita.
The salary gap between Lenexa and Wichita is $7,639 (8.83%). Lenexa's median is -9.01% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lenexa spans $83,987,Wichita spans $86,209. Wichita 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, Lenexa ($103,593 effective) pays 6.49% more than Wichita ($97,280 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lenexa if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($94,166/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($145,957)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $103,593)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Choose Wichita if…
- ✓Larger job market (540 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Lenexa grew 14.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 3.7% growth in Wichita over the same period.
Lenexa, KS
$80,070 (2024) → $91,753 (2025)
Wichita, KS
$81,290 (2019) → $84,310 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lenexa, KS
Wichita, KS
Frequently Asked Questions
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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