Kansas Salaries 2025
Aviation capital with exceptional affordability
Median Household Income
Kansas Salary Overview 2025
Kansas offers one of America's most compelling salary-to-cost-of-living ratios, combining solid middle-class wages with housing costs nearly half the national average. The state's median household income of $64,500 falls below the national median, but Kansas residents enjoy purchasing power that rivals workers earning 30-40% more in coastal metros.
The state's economy centers on aviation manufacturing (Wichita produces more general aviation aircraft than any other city in the world), agriculture, healthcare, and an emerging technology sector. The Kansas City metro area, split between Kansas and Missouri, provides access to a diversified economy with Fortune 500 headquarters and numerous logistics companies.
Kansas has strategically invested in attracting remote workers and tech companies, with programs offering incentives for relocating to rural communities. For comprehensive salary data, see salary trends 2025.
Kansas Salary Snapshot
| Metric | Kansas | National Average |
|---|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $64,500 | $74,580 |
| Mean Household Income | $84,000 | $97,300 |
| Per Capita Income | $35,000 | $37,638 |
| Minimum Wage (2025) | $7.25/hr (federal) | $7.25/hr (federal) |
| Cost of Living Index | 86 (14% below avg) | 100 |
| Top Income Tax Rate | 5.7% | Varies by state |
Salaries by Kansas Metro Area
Kansas City Metro (Kansas side)
Median Household Income: $78,000
The Kansas side of Kansas City includes prosperous suburbs like Overland Park, Olathe, and Leawood—consistently ranked among America's best places to live. Major employers include Sprint/T-Mobile, Cerner (healthcare IT), and Garmin. Tech salaries: software engineers $85,000-$140,000, data scientists $90,000-$130,000.
Wichita – Air Capital of the World
Median Household Income: $58,000
Wichita produces more general aviation aircraft than any city in the world. Spirit AeroSystems, Textron Aviation (Cessna, Beechcraft), and Airbus anchor the economy. Aerospace engineers earn $75,000-$130,000, with experienced managers reaching $140,000-$180,000. A $100,000 salary here equals $175,000+ in San Francisco.
Topeka – State Capital
Median Household Income: $52,000
Topeka's economy revolves around state government and healthcare. The city's "Choose Topeka" program offers up to $15,000 to remote workers who relocate.
Lawrence – University Town
Median Household Income: $55,000
Home to the University of Kansas with faculty salaries $65,000-$150,000+. Research positions offer $50,000-$100,000.
| Metro Area | Median Income | Cost of Living | Key Industries |
|---|---|---|---|
| KC Metro (KS side) | $78,000 | 93 | Tech, Healthcare IT, Finance |
| Wichita | $58,000 | 82 | Aviation, Manufacturing |
| Topeka | $52,000 | 80 | Government, Healthcare |
| Lawrence | $55,000 | 88 | Education, Research |
Top Paying Industries in Kansas
Aviation & Aerospace
Manufacturing technicians earn $45,000-$70,000, engineers $75,000-$140,000, and specialized roles command $100,000-$160,000.
Healthcare IT & Technology
Oracle Cerner anchors the Kansas City healthcare IT hub. Software engineers earn $80,000-$140,000.
Healthcare
Physicians $220,000-$420,000+, nurses $55,000-$80,000. Rural facilities offer loan forgiveness.
| Industry | Entry Level | Mid-Career | Senior Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace Engineering | $65,000 | $95,000 | $130,000+ |
| Software Engineering | $65,000 | $95,000 | $130,000+ |
| Nursing (RN) | $50,000 | $62,000 | $78,000+ |
Kansas Tax Analysis
State Income Tax Brackets (2025)
| Taxable Income (Single) | Tax Rate |
|---|---|
| $0 – $15,000 | 3.1% |
| $15,001 – $30,000 | 5.25% |
| $30,001+ | 5.7% |
Property taxes average 1.41% of home value. Sales tax of 6.5% combines with local taxes for 7.5-10.5% total.
Kansas Cost of Living Analysis
| Expense Category | Kansas | National Average |
|---|---|---|
| Housing Index | 68 | 100 |
| Median Home Price | $225,000 | $420,000 |
| Median Rent (2BR) | $1,000 | $1,400 |
Housing by Metro
| Metro Area | Median Home Price | Median Rent (2BR) |
|---|---|---|
| KC Metro (KS side) | $320,000 | $1,250 |
| Wichita | $185,000 | $900 |
| Topeka | $155,000 | $800 |
A salary of $65,000 in Kansas provides equivalent purchasing power to $155,000 in San Francisco.
Highest Paying Jobs in Kansas 2025
| Occupation | Average Salary | Top 10% Earn |
|---|---|---|
| Physicians/Surgeons | $275,000 | $420,000+ |
| Dentists | $175,000 | $270,000+ |
| IT Directors | $135,000 | $180,000+ |
| Aerospace Engineers | $115,000 | $155,000+ |
| Software Engineers | $95,000 | $135,000+ |
Remote Work & Relocation Incentives
Choose Topeka: Up to $15,000 for remote workers who relocate.
Rural Opportunity Zones: 77 counties offer state income tax waivers (up to 5 years) and student loan repayments (up to $15,000).
A remote worker earning $120,000 could save over $40,000 annually by relocating from San Francisco to Wichita.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kansas a good state for salary vs. cost of living?
Kansas offers exceptional value. A $70,000 Kansas salary often provides better quality of life than $100,000+ in coastal metros.
Is Wichita good for aerospace careers?
Wichita is arguably the best U.S. city for general aviation careers, with unmatched concentration of manufacturers and expertise.
What's quality of life like?
Affordable housing, short commutes, strong communities, and excellent schools (particularly in KC suburbs). Weather includes hot summers, cold winters, and tornado season.