Civil Engineer Hourly Pay in Olathe, KS: $45.38 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a civil engineer working in Olathe, KS runs $45.38 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $94,396 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2051). Weighted against Olathe's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.9, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $49.93 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $56,638 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, civil engineers in Olathe, Kansas, command a median hourly rate of $45.38, which is notably lower than the national hourly median of $49.76. For part-time workers, specifically those operating three days per week, this means earning approximately $3,680 monthly based on a 24-hour workweek, highlighting the potential to earn a sustainable income while maintaining a flexible schedule. The hourly ranges for entry-level to experienced professionals span from $31.59 at the lower end (P10) to $70.34 for top earners (P90). Civil engineers typically find themselves working in various settings, from consulting firms using advanced software like CAD and Revit to construction site offices and government facilities, where the dynamics of project management come alive. Importantly, these hourly figures allow for unique opportunities in the job market, giving civil engineers room to negotiate their pay based on expertise and setting.
About the Olathe Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Civil Engineer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31.59 | $252.72 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36.40 | $291.22 |
| Median (P50) | $45.38 | $363.06 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $57.77 | $462.16 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $70.34 | $562.74 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Olathe
Based on $45.38/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $45.38/hr, a civil engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Olathe, KS can expect to earn approximately $94,397 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $54,460. With a cost-of-living index of 90.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Olathe.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Olathe
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,815.32 | $7,866 | $94,397 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,089.19 | $4,720 | $56,638 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $726.13 | $3,147 | $37,759 |
Compare CE, PE Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Civil Engineer (Olathe) | $45.38 |
| Mechanical Engineer (National Avg) | $48.61 |
| Electrical Engineer (National Avg) | $54.18 |
| Architect (National Avg) | $45.72 |
| Construction Manager (National Avg) | $51.87 |
Civil Engineers in Olathe, KS earn a median of $94,396 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.79% lower than the national median of $103,492 and 0.30% above the Kansas state average of $94,114.
Civil Engineer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $45.38/hr = $56,638/year (purchasing power: $62,308).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $94,397/year (purchasing power: $103,847).
CoL index: 90.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$38.18/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$44.22/hr
2026 Current Est.
$45.38/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Civil Engineers in Olathe (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38.18/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $38.84/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $38.61/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $39.44/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $42.05/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $38.59/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $44.22/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45.38/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46.58/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for civil engineers in Olathe grew 15.8% from $38.18/hr (2019) to $44.22/hr (2025). At a 2.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $46.58/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem civil engineers can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Olathe 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 2.63% 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 Civil Engineer in Olathe
When analyzing the earning potential for civil engineers in Olathe, part-time professionals pursuing roles in the field via 1099 contracts can expect higher weekly take-home pay than traditional full-time positions. By working per diem, civil engineers might see earnings around $100 to $180 per hour, especially for specialized work such as geotechnical investigations or hydraulic studies, where rates can soar to $250 to $500 per hour for expert witnesses. Rates tend to differ across employer types; consulting firms generally offer competitive packages compared to construction companies or government agencies, which might provide lower hourly pay but include benefits such as health insurance. This trade-off is common in the industry, where some professionals prefer stability over higher hourly rates devoid of benefits. For those looking to negotiate their civil engineer hourly pay in Olathe, understanding the landscape of employer types and potential earnings in specialized sectors can enhance their bargaining power and lead to favorable compensation outcomes.
More salary data for Olathe, 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
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 2.63% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for civil engineers in Olathe. 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 Olathe 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 2.63%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for civil engineers (SOC 17-2051).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Chen, P.E., a licensed civil engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov