Business & Finance Kansas City, KS Pop. 156,607

Economist Salary in Kansas City, Kansas

The median economist salary in Kansas City, KS is $100,267 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 1.1% above the Kansas state average.

City Median
$100,267
vs State Avg
+$1,139
vs National
$-13,673
Cost of Living
88%

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

Kansas City offers a median economist salary of $100,267, which is $1,139 above the Kansas state average of $99,128. Compared to the national median of $113,940, 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 $100,267 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $113,940 in an average-cost city. This makes Kansas City an attractive option for economists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for economists in Kansas City spans from $54,560 at the 10th percentile to $174,240 at the 90th percentile — a $119,680 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $57,200, while senior economists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $162,800. With a population of 156,607, Kansas City is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Economist Salary in Kansas City by Experience

In Kansas City, an entry-level economist earns around $57,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $162,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$57,200
$-7,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$101,200
$-13,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$162,800
$-22,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Kansas City, KS

Percentile Kansas City
10th Percentile $54,560
25th Percentile $72,160
Median (50th) $100,267
75th Percentile $136,400
90th Percentile $174,240

Economist Salary in Other Kansas Cities

Overland Park, KS
$109,382
Pop. 197,238
Olathe, KS
$107,104
Pop. 141,290
Wichita, KS
$96,849
Pop. 397,532
Topeka, KS
$94,570
Pop. 127,473

How to Become a Economist in Kansas City

Education

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

Key Skills

EconometricsStatistical AnalysisR/PythonEconomic ModelingResearch MethodsPolicy Analysis

Job Outlook

Nationally, economist employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Kansas City may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Economist Jobs in Kansas City

Browse open economist positions in Kansas City, KS:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Economist Salary in Kansas City

How much does a Economist make in Kansas City, KS? ▼
The median economist salary in Kansas City, Kansas is $100,267 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $113,940. Salaries range from $54,560 (10th percentile) to $174,240 (90th percentile).
How much does a Economist make per hour in Kansas City? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $100,267, a economist in Kansas City earns approximately $48 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Kansas City compare to the Kansas state average for economist pay? ▼
Kansas City's median economist salary of $100,267 is 1.1% above the Kansas state average of $99,128. 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 economist salary of $100,267 in Kansas City has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a economist in Kansas City? ▼
Most economist positions in Kansas City require a master's degree. Key skills include Econometrics, Statistical Analysis, R/Python, Economic Modeling. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.