Business & Finance Kansas City, MO Pop. 508,090

Economist Salary in Kansas City, Missouri

The median economist salary in Kansas City, MO is $104,825 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 4.5% above the Missouri state average.

City Median
$104,825
vs State Avg
+$4,558
vs National
$-9,115
Cost of Living
92%

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

Kansas City offers a median economist salary of $104,825, which is $4,558 above the Missouri state average of $100,267. Compared to the national median of $113,940, 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 economists in Kansas City spans from $57,040 at the 10th percentile to $182,160 at the 90th percentile — a $125,120 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $59,800, while senior economists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $170,200. 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.

Economist Salary in Kansas City by Experience

In Kansas City, an entry-level economist earns around $59,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $170,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$59,800
$-5,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$105,800
$-9,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$170,200
$-14,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Kansas City, MO

Percentile Kansas City
10th Percentile $57,040
25th Percentile $75,440
Median (50th) $104,825
75th Percentile $142,600
90th Percentile $182,160

Economist Salary in Other Missouri Cities

Saint Louis, MO
$102,546
Pop. 301,578
Columbia, MO
$100,267
Pop. 126,254
Independence, MO
$96,849
Pop. 123,011
Springfield, MO
$93,431
Pop. 169,176

How to Become a Economist in Kansas City

Education

Most economist positions require a master's degree. Kansas City and the surrounding Missouri 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, MO:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Economist Salary in Kansas City

How much does a Economist make in Kansas City, MO? ▼
The median economist salary in Kansas City, Missouri is $104,825 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $113,940. Salaries range from $57,040 (10th percentile) to $182,160 (90th percentile).
How much does a Economist make per hour in Kansas City? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $104,825, a economist in Kansas City earns approximately $50 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Kansas City compare to the Missouri state average for economist pay? ▼
Kansas City's median economist salary of $104,825 is 4.5% above the Missouri state average of $100,267. 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 economist salary of $104,825 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.