Physicist Salary in Kansas City, KS: $134,138 (2026)

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

Kansas City offers a median physicist salary of $134,138, which is $1,524 above the Kansas state average of $132,614. Compared to the national median of $152,430, 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 $134,138 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $152,430 in an average-cost city. This makes Kansas City an attractive option for physicists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for physicists in Kansas City spans from $68,640 at the 10th percentile to $209,440 at the 90th percentile — a $140,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $72,160, while senior physicists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $193,600. With a population of 156,607, Kansas City is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Physicist Salary in Kansas City by Experience

In Kansas City, an entry-level physicist earns around $72,160, while experienced professionals earn up to $193,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$72,160

$-9,840 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$136,400

$-18,600 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$193,600

$-26,400 vs national

Percentile	Kansas City	KS State	National
10th Percentile	$68,640	$67,860	$78,000
25th Percentile	$95,040	$93,960	$108,000
Median (50th)	$134,138	$132,614	$152,430
75th Percentile	$171,600	$169,650	$195,000
90th Percentile	$209,440	$207,060	$238,000

Percentile

Kansas City

10th Percentile

$68,640

25th Percentile

$95,040

Median (50th)

$134,138

75th Percentile

$171,600

90th Percentile

$209,440

How to Become a Physicist in Kansas City

Education

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

Key Skills

Mathematical ModelingExperimental PhysicsPython/MATLABData AnalysisScientific WritingLaboratory Equipment

Job Outlook

Nationally, physicist 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.

Frequently Asked Questions: Physicist Salary in Kansas City

How much does a Physicist make in Kansas City, KS? ▼

The median physicist salary in Kansas City, Kansas is $134,138 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $152,430. Salaries range from $68,640 (10th percentile) to $209,440 (90th percentile).

How much does a Physicist make per hour in Kansas City? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $134,138, a physicist in Kansas City earns approximately $64 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Kansas City compare to the Kansas state average for physicist pay? ▼

Kansas City's median physicist salary of $134,138 is 1.1% above the Kansas state average of $132,614. 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 physicist salary of $134,138 in Kansas City has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a physicist in Kansas City? ▼

Most physicist positions in Kansas City require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Mathematical Modeling, Experimental Physics, Python/MATLAB, Data Analysis. The job market is projected to grow 8% nationally over the next decade.

Physicist Salary in Kansas City, Kansas