Considering a career move to the Sunflower State? Kansas offers a unique blend of urban opportunity and rural charm, backed by a resilient economy and a cost of living that is often more manageable than in coastal states. But what can you actually expect to earn? Navigating the salary landscape is a critical step in any career plan.
This guide provides a data-driven look into employee salaries across Kansas. While the statewide average annual salary sits around $55,930, your personal earning potential can range significantly, with top professionals in high-demand fields earning well over six figures. Let's break down the numbers and the factors that shape them.
Understanding the Kansas Salary Landscape
Before diving into specific numbers, it's helpful to understand the economic drivers in Kansas. An employee's role and salary are heavily influenced by the state's key industries. Unlike states dominated by a single sector, Kansas boasts a diverse economic profile.
Major employment sectors include:
- Aviation and Aerospace: Wichita, known as the "Air Capital of the World," is a global hub for aviation design and manufacturing, home to giants like Textron Aviation (Cessna, Beechcraft) and Spirit AeroSystems.
- Agriculture and Food Production: A traditional cornerstone, this industry remains a massive employer, from farming and livestock to food processing and agricultural technology.
- Healthcare and Social Assistance: As with the rest of the nation, this sector is a primary source of stable, growing employment opportunities in hospitals, clinics, and care facilities.
- Government: With the state capital in Topeka and numerous federal, state, and local agencies throughout the state, public sector employment is significant.
- Logistics and Transportation: Kansas's central location makes it a critical hub for warehousing, distribution, and transportation, particularly in the Kansas City metropolitan area.
An employee's salary in Kansas is a direct reflection of their role within this economic framework.
Average Salary in Kansas
When analyzing salaries, it's important to look at both the mean (average) and the median (midpoint). The median is often a more accurate representation of a "typical" salary, as it is less affected by a small number of very high earners.
Here are the latest figures for all occupations in Kansas:
- Mean Annual Salary: $55,930
- Mean Hourly Wage: $26.89
- Median Annual Salary: $46,510
- Median Hourly Wage: $22.36
*(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2023)*
According to Salary.com, the typical salary range in Kansas falls between $40,119 and $70,782 as of early 2024. This wider range better illustrates the spectrum from entry-level positions to experienced professional roles.
Key Factors That Influence Salary
Your specific salary is determined by a combination of factors. Understanding these variables is key to maximizing your earning potential.
### Level of Education
Nationwide data consistently shows a strong correlation between educational attainment and income, and Kansas is no exception. A higher degree often serves as a gateway to specialized, higher-paying roles. According to national BLS data, those with a bachelor's degree earn significantly more on average than those with only a high school diploma, and individuals with master's, professional, or doctoral degrees see an even greater premium.
- Example: A marketing associate role may only require a bachelor's degree, while a Marketing Director position commanding a much higher salary will often require a master's degree (MBA) and extensive experience.
### Years of Experience
Experience is one of the most powerful drivers of salary growth. Employers pay a premium for proven skills and a track record of success.
- Entry-Level (0-2 years): Professionals at this stage are typically learning their roles and industries. Salaries will be at the lower end of the spectrum for a given occupation.
- Mid-Career (5-10 years): With a solid foundation of experience, employees can take on more responsibility, lead projects, and command higher salaries. This is often where the most significant salary growth occurs.
- Senior/Experienced (15+ years): Senior professionals and executives with deep expertise are the highest earners. They provide strategic direction and mentorship, and their compensation reflects their high value to the organization.
### Geographic Location
Where you work within Kansas matters. Metropolitan areas with a higher cost of living and a greater concentration of large corporate employers typically offer higher average salaries.
Here’s a comparison of mean annual salaries across Kansas's major metropolitan areas:
- Kansas City, KS-MO Metropolitan Area: $60,980
- Wichita, KS Metropolitan Area: $55,390
- Lawrence, KS Metropolitan Area: $52,990
- Topeka, KS Metropolitan Area: $52,650
- Manhattan, KS Metropolitan Area: $51,800
*(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023)*
While the Kansas City area offers the highest average wage, it's essential to balance this with its slightly higher cost of living compared to other parts of the state.
### Company Type
The type of organization you work for can have a major impact on your paycheck and benefits.
- Large Corporations: Companies like Textron, General Motors, or Garmin often have structured pay scales, more extensive benefits packages, and higher top-end salaries for executive roles.
- Small & Medium-Sized Businesses (SMBs): While base salaries might be slightly lower, SMBs can offer more flexibility, opportunities for rapid growth, and sometimes profit-sharing or equity options.
- Government (Federal, State, Local): Government jobs are known for their stability, strong retirement plans, and excellent benefits, though salaries may not always reach the peaks seen in the private sector for comparable roles.
- Non-Profit Organizations: These organizations are mission-driven, and while compensation can be competitive, it is often slightly below for-profit equivalents.
### Industry and Occupation
Ultimately, your specific job function is a primary determinant of your salary. Occupations requiring advanced degrees, specialized technical skills, and significant responsibility command the highest wages.
Here are some of the highest-paying occupational groups in Kansas by mean annual wage:
- Management Occupations: $122,510
- Legal Occupations: $105,450
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations: $91,950
- Computer and Mathematical Occupations: $89,320
- Architecture and Engineering Occupations: $88,270
In contrast, some of the more common and lower-paying occupational groups include:
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations: $29,060
- Personal Care and Service Occupations: $34,310
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations: $43,580
*(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023)*
Job Outlook
The employment outlook in Kansas is stable and promising. According to the BLS, total nonfarm employment in Kansas saw an increase over the past year, indicating a healthy and growing job market.
The state's long-term occupational projections forecast the most significant growth in sectors like Healthcare Support, Transportation and Material Moving, and Computer and Mathematical Occupations. This aligns with national trends and highlights strong future opportunities for professionals in these fields within Kansas.
Conclusion
Kansas presents a compelling career destination with a diverse economy and a favorable cost of living. While the statewide median salary is approximately $46,510, this figure is just a starting point. Your personal earning potential is a dynamic combination of your education, experience, chosen industry, and location.
By strategically focusing on high-growth industries like healthcare and technology, pursuing continued education, and gaining valuable experience, professionals can build a prosperous and rewarding career in the Sunflower State. For prospective students and job seekers, Kansas offers a solid foundation on which to grow, earn, and thrive.