Architect Salary in Kansas City, KS: $72,899 (2026)

Architect Pay in Kansas City: What to Expect (2026)

Kansas City offers a median architect salary of $72,899, which is $828 above the Kansas state average of $72,071. Compared to the national median of $82,840, Kansas City pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Kansas City's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $72,899 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $82,840 in an average-cost city. This makes Kansas City an attractive option for architects seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for architects in Kansas City spans from $44,000 at the 10th percentile to $130,240 at the 90th percentile — a $86,240 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $45,760, while senior architects with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $123,200. With a population of 156,607, Kansas City is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Architect Salary in Kansas City by Experience

In Kansas City, an entry-level architect earns around $45,760, while experienced professionals earn up to $123,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$45,760

$-6,240 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$74,800

$-10,200 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$123,200

$-16,800 vs national

Percentile	Kansas City	KS State	National
10th Percentile	$44,000	$43,500	$50,000
25th Percentile	$56,320	$55,680	$64,000
Median (50th)	$72,899	$72,071	$82,840
75th Percentile	$98,560	$97,440	$112,000
90th Percentile	$130,240	$128,760	$148,000

Percentile

Kansas City

10th Percentile

$44,000

25th Percentile

$56,320

Median (50th)

$72,899

75th Percentile

$98,560

90th Percentile

$130,240

How to Become a Architect in Kansas City

Education

Most architect positions require a bachelor's degree. Kansas City and the surrounding Kansas area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

AutoCAD/RevitBuilding DesignBuilding Codes3D ModelingProject ManagementSustainability

Job Outlook

Nationally, architect employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Kansas City may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Architect Salary in Kansas City

How much does a Architect make in Kansas City, KS? ▼

The median architect salary in Kansas City, Kansas is $72,899 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $82,840. Salaries range from $44,000 (10th percentile) to $130,240 (90th percentile).

How much does a Architect make per hour in Kansas City? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $72,899, a architect in Kansas City earns approximately $35 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Kansas City compare to the Kansas state average for architect pay? ▼

Kansas City's median architect salary of $72,899 is 1.1% above the Kansas state average of $72,071. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Kansas City, KS? ▼

Kansas City has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a architect salary of $72,899 in Kansas City has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a architect in Kansas City? ▼

Most architect positions in Kansas City require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include AutoCAD/Revit, Building Design, Building Codes, 3D Modeling. The job market is projected to grow 3% nationally over the next decade.

Architect Salary in Kansas City, Kansas