Creative & Education Kansas City, MO Pop. 508,090

College Professor Salary in Kansas City, Missouri

The median college professor salary in Kansas City, MO is $77,170 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 4.5% above the Missouri state average.

City Median
$77,170
vs State Avg
+$3,356
vs National
$-6,710
Cost of Living
92%

College Professor Pay in Kansas City: What to Expect (2026)

Kansas City offers a median college professor salary of $77,170, which is $3,356 above the Missouri state average of $73,814. Compared to the national median of $83,880, 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 college professors in Kansas City spans from $41,400 at the 10th percentile to $154,560 at the 90th percentile — a $113,160 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $44,160, while senior college professors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $147,200. 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.

College Professor Salary in Kansas City by Experience

In Kansas City, an entry-level college professor earns around $44,160, while experienced professionals earn up to $147,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$44,160
$-3,840 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$79,120
$-6,880 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$147,200
$-12,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Kansas City, MO

Percentile Kansas City
10th Percentile $41,400
25th Percentile $55,200
Median (50th) $77,170
75th Percentile $110,400
90th Percentile $154,560

College Professor Salary in Other Missouri Cities

Saint Louis, MO
$75,492
Pop. 301,578
Columbia, MO
$73,814
Pop. 126,254
Independence, MO
$71,298
Pop. 123,011
Springfield, MO
$68,782
Pop. 169,176

How to Become a College Professor in Kansas City

Education

Most college professor positions require a doctoral degree. Kansas City and the surrounding Missouri area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

TeachingResearchPublishingCurriculum DesignAcademic AdvisingGrant Writing

Job Outlook

Nationally, college professor employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Kansas City may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find College Professor Jobs in Kansas City

Browse open college professor positions in Kansas City, MO:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: College Professor Salary in Kansas City

How much does a College Professor make in Kansas City, MO? ▼
The median college professor salary in Kansas City, Missouri is $77,170 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $83,880. Salaries range from $41,400 (10th percentile) to $154,560 (90th percentile).
How much does a College Professor make per hour in Kansas City? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $77,170, a college professor 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 college professor pay? ▼
Kansas City's median college professor salary of $77,170 is 4.5% above the Missouri state average of $73,814. 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 college professor salary of $77,170 in Kansas City has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a college professor in Kansas City? ▼
Most college professor positions in Kansas City require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Teaching, Research, Publishing, Curriculum Design. The job market is projected to grow 8% nationally over the next decade.