Business & Finance Kansas (KS) Rank #45 of 50

Economist Salary in Kansas

The median economist salary in Kansas is $99,128 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $113,940.

Median Salary
$99,128
vs National
$-14,812
State Rank
#45 of 50
Cost of Living
87%

Economist Salary Overview in Kansas (2026)

Kansas ranks #45 out of 50 states for economist compensation. Economist salaries in Kansas are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $99,128 per year, economists in Kansas earn $14,812 less than the national median of $113,940.

A key advantage of working in Kansas is its below-average cost of living (87% of the national index). This means the $99,128 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $113,940 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Kansas is significant: economists at the 10th percentile earn $53,940, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $172,260 — a $118,320 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Kansas for this role is Overland Park, where the median reaches $109,382.

Nationally, economist employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for economists across the country.

Economist Salary in Kansas by Experience

In Kansas, an entry-level economist earns around $56,550, while experienced professionals earn up to $160,950 per year. The cost of living index in Kansas is 87% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$56,550
$-8,450 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$100,050
$-14,950 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$160,950
$-24,050 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Kansas

Percentile KS Salary
10th Percentile $53,940
25th Percentile $71,340
Median (50th) $99,128
75th Percentile $134,850
90th Percentile $172,260

Economist Salary by City in Kansas

The largest employment areas for economists in Kansas include Wichita, Overland Park, Kansas City, and Topeka. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Economist in Kansas

Education

Most economist positions require a master's degree. Kansas has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

EconometricsStatistical AnalysisR/PythonEconomic ModelingResearch MethodsPolicy Analysis

Job Outlook in Kansas

Nationally, economist employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Kansas's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Economist Salary in Kansas

How much does a Economist make in Kansas? ▼
The median economist salary in Kansas is $99,128 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $113,940. Salaries range from $53,940 (10th percentile) to $172,260 (90th percentile).
How much does a Economist make per hour in Kansas? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $99,128, a economist in Kansas earns approximately $48 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Kansas a good state for economists? ▼
Kansas ranks #45 out of 50 states for economist pay. The cost of living index is 87% of the national average. Entry-level economists earn $56,550, while senior professionals earn $160,950.
How does Kansas compare to other states for economist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for economists is Hawaii at $193,698. Kansas's median of $99,128 ranks #45 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include South Dakota ($100,267) and Alabama ($99,128).
What is the entry-level economist salary in Kansas? ▼
An entry-level economist in Kansas earns approximately $56,550 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $100,050. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $160,950.
What city in Kansas pays economists the most? ▼
Overland Park is the highest paying city in Kansas for economists, with a median salary of $109,382. Other cities include Wichita and Kansas City.