Prairie Village vs Wichita: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Prairie Village, KS and Wichita, KS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Prairie Village, KS | Wichita, KS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $88,342▲ | $86,527 |
| Hourly Rate | $42.47▲ | $41.60 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $67,165▲ | $50,022 |
| 25th Percentile | $74,415 | $75,710▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $111,795▲ | $111,405 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $136,464▲ | $136,231 |
| Total Employed | 6 | 540▲ |
Verdict
Prairie Village, KS offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Wichita.
The salary gap between Prairie Village and Wichita is $1,815 (2.10%). Prairie Village's median is -14.64% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Prairie Village spans $69,299,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, Wichita ($97,280 effective) pays 0.10% more than Prairie Village ($97,186 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Prairie Village if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($88,342/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($136,464)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Choose Wichita if…
- ✓Larger job market (540 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $97,280)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Prairie Village grew 14.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 3.7% growth in Wichita over the same period.
Prairie Village, KS
$75,117 (2024) → $86,078 (2025)
Wichita, KS
$81,290 (2019) → $84,310 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Prairie Village, KS
Wichita, KS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Prairie Village or Wichita?
What is the hourly rate difference between Prairie Village and Wichita?
Should I relocate from Prairie Village to Wichita as a civil engineer?
What do entry-level civil engineers earn in Prairie Village vs Wichita?
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