Home / City Job Salaries / Automotive Engineer in Hays

Automotive Engineer Salary in Hays, KS

How much does a automotive engineer make in Hays? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Hays's cost of living.

Median Salary
$75,578
per year in Hays
Entry Level
$45,805
Starting salary
Senior Level
$103,824
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
82
18% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how automotive engineer salaries break down across different pay periods in Hays.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$45,805$75,578$103,824
Monthly$3,817$6,298$8,652
Biweekly$1,762$2,907$3,993
Weekly$881$1,453$1,997
Hourly$22$36$50

Hays vs National Average

How Hays's automotive engineer salaries compare to national figures.

Hays Salary
$75,578
COL Index: 82
National Average
$112,400
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$36,822
Lower in Hays

Cost of Living in Hays

1-Bedroom Rent
$700
per month
Median Income
$44,821
per year
Population
21,490
residents
Rent % of Income
18.7%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 82 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Hays have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About Automotive Engineer

Overview

Design and develop vehicles and automotive systems.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Automotive or Mechanical Engineering

Key Skills

Vehicle DesignCADPowertrain SystemsPerformance Testing

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +18% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Automotive Engineer Salary

See Automotive Engineer salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$111,270
+47%
Los Angeles, CA
$114,290
+51%
Chicago, IL
$100,390
+33%
Houston, TX
$126,870
+68%
Phoenix, AZ
$102,300
+35%

Financial Tools to Explore

Use these Pulsafi calculators to understand your finances based on a automotive engineer salary in Hays.

Salary Breakdown Calculator

See exactly how your salary breaks down into taxes and take-home pay.

Cost of Living Calculator

Understand your expenses and purchasing power in Hays.

Budget Calculator

Create a personalized budget based on your income and expenses.

Rent vs Buy Calculator

Compare the true costs of renting versus buying in Hays.

Automotive Engineer Salary in Hays, KS — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a automotive engineer in Hays, KS is $75,578 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 82. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Hays's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level automotive engineer professionals in Hays can expect to earn around $45,805 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level automotive engineers earning approximately $103,824 per year. This represents a 127% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Hays's cost of living index of 82 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Hays are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $112,400, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a automotive engineer's salary in Hays typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $700 per month, housing represents about 11.1% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Automotive Engineers are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 18% over the next decade. In Hays, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Data source: Salary estimates on this page are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, adjusted for regional cost of living differences. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.