Construction & Real Estate Kansas City, MO Pop. 508,090

Architect Salary in Kansas City, Missouri

The median architect salary in Kansas City, MO is $76,213 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 4.5% above the Missouri state average.

City Median
$76,213
vs State Avg
+$3,314
vs National
$-6,627
Cost of Living
92%

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

Kansas City offers a median architect salary of $76,213, which is $3,314 above the Missouri state average of $72,899. Compared to the national median of $82,840, Kansas City pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Kansas City's cost of living is 92% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for architects in Kansas City spans from $46,000 at the 10th percentile to $136,160 at the 90th percentile — a $90,160 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $47,840, while senior architects with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $128,800. As a major metro area with a population of 508,090, Kansas City typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Architect Salary in Kansas City by Experience

In Kansas City, an entry-level architect earns around $47,840, while experienced professionals earn up to $128,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$47,840
$-4,160 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$78,200
$-6,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$128,800
$-11,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Kansas City, MO

Percentile Kansas City
10th Percentile $46,000
25th Percentile $58,880
Median (50th) $76,213
75th Percentile $103,040
90th Percentile $136,160

Architect Salary in Other Missouri Cities

Saint Louis, MO
$74,556
Pop. 301,578
Columbia, MO
$72,899
Pop. 126,254
Independence, MO
$70,414
Pop. 123,011
Springfield, MO
$67,929
Pop. 169,176

How to Become a Architect in Kansas City

Education

Most architect positions require a bachelor's degree. Kansas City and the surrounding Missouri 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.

Find Architect Jobs in Kansas City

Browse open architect positions in Kansas City, MO:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Architect Salary in Kansas City

How much does a Architect make in Kansas City, MO? ▼
The median architect salary in Kansas City, Missouri is $76,213 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $82,840. Salaries range from $46,000 (10th percentile) to $136,160 (90th percentile).
How much does a Architect make per hour in Kansas City? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $76,213, a architect in Kansas City earns approximately $37 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Kansas City compare to the Missouri state average for architect pay? ▼
Kansas City's median architect salary of $76,213 is 4.5% above the Missouri state average of $72,899. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Kansas City, MO? ▼
Kansas City has a cost of living index of 92% compared to the national average. This means a architect salary of $76,213 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.