📊 Employment Overview
Kansas employs 2,610 mechanical engineering professionals, representing approximately 0.9% of the national workforce in this field. Kansas ranks #33 nationally for mechanical engineering employment.
Total Employed
2,610
National Share
0.9%
State Ranking
#33
💰 Salary Information
Mechanical Engineering professionals in Kansas earn competitive salaries across all experience levels, with an average annual salary of $90,000.
Note: Salaries are adjusted for cost of living and local market conditions. Data based on BLS statistics and industry surveys (2024-2025).
🎓 Schools Offering Mechanical Engineering
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🔧 Industry Landscape & Top Employers
Kansas employs 11,000-14,000 MEs in aerospace (60%), agriculture equipment (20%), manufacturing (15%). Major employers: Spirit AeroSystems (Wichita - largest employer, builds Boeing fuselages), Textron Aviation (Cessna/Beechcraft business jets), Bombardier Learjet, General Atomics (UAVs). Agriculture equipment: AGCO, CNH Industrial. Defense contractors support McConnell Air Force Base. Kansas is "Air Capital of the World" — Wichita produces more general aviation aircraft than anywhere globally.
📈 Career Growth & Pathways
Entry $63,000-$78,000, Mid $80,000-$105,000, Senior $105,000-$140,000, Staff/Principal $140,000-$185,000. Aerospace engineers earn solid compensation. PE adds 10-15%. Spirit AeroSystems offers strong benefits, career stability. Wichita aerospace cluster creates specialized expertise in aircraft structures, composite materials, manufacturing.
💰 Salary vs. Cost of Living
Kansas 12-18% below national average — excellent affordability. Wichita homes $180,000-$280,000. A $95,000 ME salary provides very comfortable lifestyle. Strong purchasing power enables engineers to afford homes, raise families on modest salaries. Trade-offs: tornadoes (spring), harsh winters, limited urban amenities, but aerospace work world-class.
📜 Licensing & Professional Development
Kansas State Board of Technical Professions administers PE. Aerospace engineers often don't pursue PE (manufacturing focus) but it's valuable for advancement. Strong SAE chapter given aerospace concentration. Wichita State University provides excellent continuing education and aerospace research partnerships.
📊 Job Market Outlook
Projected 3-5% growth through 2030. Commercial aerospace tied to aviation demand. Business jet market stable. Defense UAV production growing. Expected to add 380-620 positions annually. Kansas maintaining aerospace leadership despite Boeing's challenges affecting Spirit AeroSystems.
🔧 Day in the Life
Spirit engineers work on Boeing 737/787 fuselage manufacturing — composite structures, assembly automation, quality systems. Textron engineers design business jet systems, interiors, propulsion. Work involves production floors, composite fabrication facilities, flight test support. Wichita aerospace culture strong — affordable living, hands-on aircraft work, tight engineering community. Engineers describe Kansas as "aerospace at Midwest prices" — serious aircraft engineering, exceptional affordability, though tornado season and limited nightlife challenge some.
🚀 Career Insights
Key information for mechanical engineering professionals in Kansas.
Top Industries
Major employers in Kansas include manufacturing, technology, aerospace, and consulting firms.
Required Skills
Strong technical fundamentals, problem-solving abilities, CAD software proficiency, and project management experience.
Certifications
Professional Engineering (PE) license recommended for career advancement. FE exam is the first step.
Job Outlook
Steady growth expected in Kansas with increasing demand for specialized engineering expertise.
🔄 Compare with Other States
See how Kansas compares to other top states for mechanical engineering:
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