Registered Nurse Salary in Kansas City, MO: $74,722 (2026)

Registered Nurse Pay in Kansas City: What to Expect (2026)

Kansas City offers a median registered nurse salary of $74,722, which is $3,248 above the Missouri state average of $71,474. Compared to the national median of $81,220, 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 registered nurses in Kansas City spans from $52,808 at the 10th percentile to $111,136 at the 90th percentile — a $58,328 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $53,360, while senior registered nurses with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $105,800. 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.

Registered Nurse Salary in Kansas City by Experience

In Kansas City, an entry-level registered nurse earns around $53,360, while experienced professionals earn up to $105,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$53,360

$-4,640 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$75,440

$-6,560 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$105,800

$-9,200 vs national

Percentile	Kansas City	MO State	National
10th Percentile	$52,808	$50,512	$57,400
25th Percentile	$61,456	$58,784	$66,800
Median (50th)	$74,722	$71,474	$81,220
75th Percentile	$93,012	$88,968	$101,100
90th Percentile	$111,136	$106,304	$120,800

Percentile

Kansas City

10th Percentile

$52,808

25th Percentile

$61,456

Median (50th)

$74,722

75th Percentile

$93,012

90th Percentile

$111,136

How to Become a Registered Nurse in Kansas City

Education

Most registered nurse positions require a bachelor's degree. Kansas City and the surrounding Missouri area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Patient AssessmentMedication AdministrationCritical ThinkingCommunicationEMR SystemsBLS/ACLS

Job Outlook

Nationally, registered nurse 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.

Frequently Asked Questions: Registered Nurse Salary in Kansas City

How much does a Registered Nurse make in Kansas City, MO? ▼

The median registered nurse salary in Kansas City, Missouri is $74,722 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $81,220. Salaries range from $52,808 (10th percentile) to $111,136 (90th percentile).

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

Based on the median annual salary of $74,722, a registered nurse in Kansas City earns approximately $36 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Kansas City compare to the Missouri state average for registered nurse pay? ▼

Kansas City's median registered nurse salary of $74,722 is 4.5% above the Missouri state average of $71,474. 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 registered nurse salary of $74,722 in Kansas City has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

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

Most registered nurse positions in Kansas City require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Patient Assessment, Medication Administration, Critical Thinking, Communication. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.

Registered Nurse Salary in Kansas City, Missouri