Science & Research Kansas City, MO Pop. 508,090

Physicist Salary in Kansas City, Missouri

The median physicist salary in Kansas City, MO is $140,236 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 4.5% above the Missouri state average.

City Median
$140,236
vs State Avg
+$6,098
vs National
$-12,194
Cost of Living
92%

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

Kansas City offers a median physicist salary of $140,236, which is $6,098 above the Missouri state average of $134,138. Compared to the national median of $152,430, 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 physicists in Kansas City spans from $71,760 at the 10th percentile to $218,960 at the 90th percentile — a $147,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $75,440, while senior physicists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $202,400. 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.

Physicist Salary in Kansas City by Experience

In Kansas City, an entry-level physicist earns around $75,440, while experienced professionals earn up to $202,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$75,440
$-6,560 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$142,600
$-12,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$202,400
$-17,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Kansas City, MO

Percentile Kansas City
10th Percentile $71,760
25th Percentile $99,360
Median (50th) $140,236
75th Percentile $179,400
90th Percentile $218,960

Physicist Salary in Other Missouri Cities

Saint Louis, MO
$137,187
Pop. 301,578
Columbia, MO
$134,138
Pop. 126,254
Independence, MO
$129,566
Pop. 123,011
Springfield, MO
$124,993
Pop. 169,176

How to Become a Physicist in Kansas City

Education

Most physicist positions require a doctoral degree. Kansas City and the surrounding Missouri 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.

Find Physicist Jobs in Kansas City

Browse open physicist positions in Kansas City, MO:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Physicist Salary in Kansas City

How much does a Physicist make in Kansas City, MO? ▼
The median physicist salary in Kansas City, Missouri is $140,236 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $152,430. Salaries range from $71,760 (10th percentile) to $218,960 (90th percentile).
How much does a Physicist make per hour in Kansas City? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $140,236, a physicist in Kansas City earns approximately $67 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Kansas City compare to the Missouri state average for physicist pay? ▼
Kansas City's median physicist salary of $140,236 is 4.5% above the Missouri state average of $134,138. 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 physicist salary of $140,236 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.