Kansas salaries by occupation
The median worker in Kansas earned $46,850 a year in 2024, about $22.53 an hour, 5.4% below the national median of $49,500. The state reports wages for 577 occupations.
Median pay $46,850 $22.53 per hour
Vs national median -5.4% U.S. $49,500
Workers 1,431,180 wage and salary
Occupations reported 577 with at least 100 employed
What Kansas is unusually full of
Location quotient measures how concentrated an occupation is here against the country as a whole. A value of 3 means the state employs three times the national share of those workers. It describes a labour market far better than a list of the biggest employers, which in every state is dominated by retail and food service.
| Occupation | Concentration | Employed | Median pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers | 34.31× | 10,470 | $57,970 |
| Layout Workers, Metal and Plastic | 11.27× | 590 | $76,730 |
| Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians | 7.75× | 650 | $76,130 |
| Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians | 5.68× | 1,950 | $49,450 |
| Recreational Therapists | 5.07× | 710 | $39,690 |
| Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Officials | 4.45× | 620 | $32,970 |
| Conveyor Operators and Tenders | 4.31× | 1,040 | $39,870 |
| Farmworkers, Farm, Ranch, and Aquacultural Animals | 4.17× | 1,370 | $36,940 |
| Slaughterers and Meat Packers | 3.88× | 2,430 | $47,310 |
| Prepress Technicians and Workers | 3.52× | 750 | $45,900 |
Metro areas in Kansas
Pay varies more between cities than between states, and a statewide median averages over that. These are the 7 Kansas metropolitan areas the survey covers.
| Metro area | Median | Hourly | Workers | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kansas City | $49,480 | $23.79 | 1,093,430 | #96 |
| Topeka | $47,840 | $23.00 | 112,540 | #148 |
| Wichita | $46,650 | $22.43 | 306,950 | #196 |
| St. Joseph | $46,420 | $22.32 | 53,880 | #208 |
| Lawrence | $45,240 | $21.75 | 51,290 | #250 |
| Manhattan | $44,510 | $21.40 | 52,890 | #281 |
| Joplin | $43,610 | $20.97 | 86,790 | #305 |
Highest paying occupations
| Occupation | Median | Hourly | Employed | Rank of states |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Family Medicine Physicians | $237,200 | $114.04 | 140 | #2 of 23 |
| Pediatricians, General | $194,810 | $93.66 | 150 | #25 of 37 |
| Dentists, General | $170,090 | $81.78 | 1,240 | #24 of 46 |
| Natural Sciences Managers | $158,100 | $76.01 | 280 | #10 of 46 |
| Air Traffic Controllers | $156,620 | $75.30 | 410 | #8 of 36 |
| Computer and Information Systems Managers | $154,830 | $74.44 | 3,590 | #26 of 49 |
| Chief Executives | $154,700 | $74.38 | 2,540 | #24 of 33 |
| Sales Managers | $151,440 | $72.81 | 4,940 | #9 of 50 |
| Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates | $148,910 | $71.59 | 420 | #17 of 31 |
| Architectural and Engineering Managers | $147,020 | $70.69 | 1,740 | #37 of 49 |
| Marketing Managers | $141,250 | $67.91 | 1,310 | #20 of 47 |
| Physicians, All Other | $140,330 | $67.46 | 4,290 | #17 of 18 |
Where most people work
| Occupation | Employed | Median | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fast Food and Counter Workers | 45,420 | $27,000 | $12.98 |
| Cashiers | 35,100 | $27,580 | $13.26 |
| Registered Nurses | 32,640 | $78,060 | $37.53 |
| Customer Service Representatives | 32,250 | $38,330 | $18.43 |
| Retail Salespersons | 30,390 | $31,670 | $15.23 |
| Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive | 28,500 | $39,000 | $18.75 |
| Stockers and Order Fillers | 27,020 | $35,830 | $17.23 |
| General and Operations Managers | 25,500 | $85,600 | $41.16 |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides | 25,050 | $29,190 | $14.03 |
| Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand | 24,580 | $39,960 | $19.21 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024 state estimates. Wage and salary workers only, excluding the self-employed.
Every occupation reported in Kansas
Grouped by field. Each links to a comparison of that job across all states.
Production 67
- Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers $102,200
- Power Plant Operators $89,630
- Tool and Die Makers $81,230
- Gas Plant Operators $78,110
- Layout Workers, Metal and Plastic $76,730
- Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers $75,870
- First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers $72,500
- Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators $62,460
- Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers $57,970
- Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders $57,470
- Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers $55,930
- Cooling and Freezing Equipment Operators and Tenders $51,640
- Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $50,900
- Dental Laboratory Technicians $49,620
- Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders $49,290
- Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers $49,040
- Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters $48,640
- Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers $48,530
- Machinists $48,490
- Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators $47,950
- Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators $47,540
- Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $47,500
- Mixing and Blending Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $47,450
- Slaughterers and Meat Packers $47,310
- Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic $47,040
- Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $46,620
- Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders $46,570
- Crushing, Grinding, and Polishing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $46,320
- Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $46,120
- Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers $46,020
- Prepress Technicians and Workers $45,900
- Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $45,880
- Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders $45,580
- Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $45,370
- Painting, Coating, and Decorating Workers $45,160
- Adhesive Bonding Machine Operators and Tenders $45,110
- Food Processing Workers, All Other $45,070
- Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $44,850
- Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $44,310
- Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $43,840
- Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers $43,830
- Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $43,680
- Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $43,660
- Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders $43,030
- Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $42,680
- Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders $42,450
- Food Batchmakers $41,830
- Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators $41,280
- Printing Press Operators $40,580
- Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $40,500
- Upholsterers $40,330
- Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $39,000
- Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $38,890
- Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters $38,800
- Electrical, Electronic, and Electromechanical Assemblers, Except Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers $38,690
- Helpers--Production Workers $38,220
- Furniture Finishers $38,100
- Cutters and Trimmers, Hand $38,090
- Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing $37,630
- Sawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Wood $37,350
- Production Workers, All Other $36,590
- Print Binding and Finishing Workers $36,100
- Butchers and Meat Cutters $35,800
- Sewing Machine Operators $34,800
- Bakers $33,190
- Pressers, Textile, Garment, and Related Materials $30,110
- Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers $29,540
Education and library 47
- Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary $129,700
- Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary $110,810
- Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary $107,940
- Physics Teachers, Postsecondary $102,970
- Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary $99,790
- Economics Teachers, Postsecondary $99,320
- Business Teachers, Postsecondary $86,470
- Architecture Teachers, Postsecondary $82,500
- Teachers and Instructors, All Other $81,850
- Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary $80,120
- History Teachers, Postsecondary $79,380
- Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary $79,240
- Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary $78,000
- Postsecondary Teachers, All Other $77,220
- Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary $70,960
- Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary $70,880
- Communications Teachers, Postsecondary $63,860
- Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary $63,230
- Education Teachers, Postsecondary $63,070
- English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary $62,770
- Farm and Home Management Educators $62,560
- Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary $62,310
- Instructional Coordinators $62,310
- Special Education Teachers, Secondary School $59,640
- Librarians and Media Collections Specialists $59,580
- Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School $59,060
- Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $58,910
- Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education $58,820
- Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education $58,770
- Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary $58,220
- Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School $57,910
- Special Education Teachers, Middle School $57,620
- Special Education Teachers, Preschool $57,250
- Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education $54,230
- Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education $50,820
- Educational Instruction and Library Workers, All Other $49,600
- Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary $49,170
- Social Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, All Other $46,790
- Adult Basic Education, Adult Secondary Education, and English as a Second Language Instructors $46,580
- Teaching Assistants, Postsecondary $43,950
- Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education $43,200
- Museum Technicians and Conservators $40,190
- Library Technicians $38,990
- Self-Enrichment Teachers $36,780
- Tutors $33,420
- Substitute Teachers, Short-Term $32,460
- Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary $27,960
Healthcare practitioners 45
- Family Medicine Physicians $237,200
- Pediatricians, General $194,810
- Dentists, General $170,090
- Physicians, All Other $140,330
- Pharmacists $134,350
- Optometrists $128,510
- Nurse Practitioners $124,690
- Physician Assistants $124,440
- Veterinarians $102,510
- Physical Therapists $98,840
- Occupational Therapists $97,000
- Diagnostic Medical Sonographers $88,170
- Radiation Therapists $84,520
- Nuclear Medicine Technologists $84,210
- Healthcare Diagnosing or Treating Practitioners, All Other $83,510
- Audiologists $83,120
- Dental Hygienists $82,060
- Speech-Language Pathologists $81,360
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists $78,580
- Registered Nurses $78,060
- Chiropractors $74,670
- Respiratory Therapists $73,580
- Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians $70,220
- Radiologic Technologists and Technicians $68,740
- Health Information Technologists and Medical Registrars $66,520
- Dietitians and Nutritionists $64,930
- Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians $60,470
- Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses $59,920
- Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other $59,780
- Surgical Technologists $57,580
- Athletic Trainers $54,990
- Paramedics $49,090
- Medical Records Specialists $48,670
- Surgical Assistants $48,200
- Exercise Physiologists $45,080
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Workers, All Other $42,760
- Hearing Aid Specialists $42,190
- Recreational Therapists $39,690
- Pharmacy Technicians $39,210
- Veterinary Technologists and Technicians $39,070
- Ophthalmic Medical Technicians $38,750
- Psychiatric Technicians $38,700
- Opticians, Dispensing $37,890
- Dietetic Technicians $34,870
- Emergency Medical Technicians $34,650
Office and administrative support 43
- Brokerage Clerks $64,530
- Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants $63,930
- First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers $62,400
- Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators $59,550
- Postal Service Clerks $58,950
- Postal Service Mail Carriers $56,330
- Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks $54,990
- Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks $50,020
- Cargo and Freight Agents $49,020
- Weighers, Measurers, Checkers, and Samplers, Recordkeeping $47,680
- Loan Interviewers and Clerks $46,940
- Insurance Claims and Policy Processing Clerks $46,940
- Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping $46,750
- Eligibility Interviewers, Government Programs $46,300
- Information and Record Clerks, All Other $46,300
- Procurement Clerks $46,020
- Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks $45,920
- Dispatchers, Except Police, Fire, and Ambulance $45,800
- Billing and Posting Clerks $45,150
- Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks $42,150
- Order Clerks $41,880
- Court, Municipal, and License Clerks $41,780
- Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants $41,640
- New Accounts Clerks $41,120
- Bill and Account Collectors $40,800
- Public Safety Telecommunicators $40,680
- Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants $39,540
- File Clerks $39,070
- Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive $39,000
- Customer Service Representatives $38,330
- Interviewers, Except Eligibility and Loan $38,280
- Data Entry Keyers $37,710
- Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service $36,900
- Tellers $36,340
- Couriers and Messengers $35,520
- Reservation and Transportation Ticket Agents and Travel Clerks $35,470
- Receptionists and Information Clerks $35,320
- Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service $35,060
- Office Machine Operators, Except Computer $34,980
- Office Clerks, General $31,170
- Library Assistants, Clerical $29,840
- Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerks $29,360
- Office and Administrative Support Workers, All Other $29,000
Installation, maintenance and repair 39
- Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay $105,790
- Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers $102,400
- Signal and Track Switch Repairers $83,860
- Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door $81,830
- Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians $78,480
- First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers $76,380
- Wind Turbine Service Technicians $73,220
- Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment $72,540
- Industrial Machinery Mechanics $70,170
- Millwrights $68,680
- Avionics Technicians $66,770
- Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers $66,770
- Radio, Cellular, and Tower Equipment Installers and Repairers $63,750
- Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines $61,680
- Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers $59,380
- Maintenance Workers, Machinery $59,180
- Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists $58,650
- Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers $57,230
- Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers $56,750
- Rail Car Repairers $51,500
- Automotive Body and Related Repairers $50,200
- Locksmiths and Safe Repairers $49,920
- Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians $49,450
- Medical Equipment Repairers $49,040
- Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers $49,010
- Mechanical Door Repairers $49,010
- Audiovisual Equipment Installers and Repairers $48,140
- Coin, Vending, and Amusement Machine Servicers and Repairers $47,740
- Motorcycle Mechanics $47,480
- Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics $47,010
- Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers, All Other $46,680
- Maintenance and Repair Workers, General $46,590
- Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics $44,230
- Home Appliance Repairers $44,200
- Riggers $43,770
- Computer, Automated Teller, and Office Machine Repairers $41,600
- Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians $41,290
- Tire Repairers and Changers $36,570
- Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers $31,770
Construction and extraction 37
- First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers $75,730
- Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators $69,990
- Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters $62,820
- Construction and Building Inspectors $61,850
- Electricians $61,830
- Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas $58,580
- Insulation Workers, Mechanical $56,370
- Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas $56,340
- Tile and Stone Setters $55,820
- Brickmasons and Blockmasons $54,770
- Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators $53,540
- Carpenters $51,550
- Sheet Metal Workers $50,920
- Glaziers $50,890
- Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers $50,640
- Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators $50,600
- Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining $49,670
- Carpet Installers $49,320
- Structural Iron and Steel Workers $48,680
- Roustabouts, Oil and Gas $48,680
- Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers $48,090
- Roofers $47,400
- Insulation Workers, Floor, Ceiling, and Wall $46,710
- Helpers--Brickmasons, Blockmasons, Stonemasons, and Tile and Marble Setters $45,830
- Stonemasons $45,650
- Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners $45,610
- Highway Maintenance Workers $45,170
- Painters, Construction and Maintenance $44,890
- Construction Laborers $44,810
- Service Unit Operators, Oil and Gas $44,150
- Rock Splitters, Quarry $41,000
- Floor Layers, Except Carpet, Wood, and Hard Tiles $40,960
- Helpers--Carpenters $40,960
- Hazardous Materials Removal Workers $40,700
- Miscellaneous Construction and Related Workers $40,150
- Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters $36,950
- Helpers--Electricians $33,550
Management 32
- Natural Sciences Managers $158,100
- Computer and Information Systems Managers $154,830
- Chief Executives $154,700
- Sales Managers $151,440
- Architectural and Engineering Managers $147,020
- Marketing Managers $141,250
- Financial Managers $138,980
- Purchasing Managers $135,760
- Human Resources Managers $126,550
- Industrial Production Managers $122,700
- Training and Development Managers $122,450
- Managers, All Other $118,310
- Public Relations Managers $117,080
- Education Administrators, All Other $115,520
- Fundraising Managers $114,090
- Facilities Managers $108,580
- Administrative Services Managers $106,140
- Education Administrators, Postsecondary $105,870
- Medical and Health Services Managers $104,990
- Construction Managers $103,760
- Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers $103,730
- Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary $97,000
- Postmasters and Mail Superintendents $89,610
- General and Operations Managers $85,600
- Social and Community Service Managers $73,470
- Lodging Managers $66,650
- Emergency Management Directors $62,830
- Food Service Managers $62,490
- Funeral Home Managers $59,600
- Property, Real Estate, and Community Association Managers $55,750
- Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare $51,670
- Legislators $23,210
Life, physical and social science 29
- Psychologists, All Other $133,540
- Economists $115,100
- Physical Scientists, All Other $114,820
- Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists $96,150
- Food Scientists and Technologists $86,040
- Urban and Regional Planners $83,660
- Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other $82,220
- Biological Scientists, All Other $81,780
- Occupational Health and Safety Specialists $78,480
- Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers $76,980
- Atmospheric and Space Scientists $75,510
- Forensic Science Technicians $75,150
- Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health $73,300
- School Psychologists $68,020
- Chemists $66,310
- Social Science Research Assistants $64,080
- Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists $63,270
- Soil and Plant Scientists $62,530
- Microbiologists $62,470
- Clinical and Counseling Psychologists $61,800
- Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other $61,740
- Survey Researchers $60,380
- Chemical Technicians $55,480
- Occupational Health and Safety Technicians $52,080
- Biological Technicians $48,400
- Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health $47,150
- Conservation Scientists $45,880
- Agricultural Technicians $43,780
- Forest and Conservation Technicians $36,660
Transport and material moving 28
- Air Traffic Controllers $156,620
- Transportation Inspectors $103,810
- Commercial Pilots $103,400
- Locomotive Engineers $76,680
- Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters $65,940
- Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers $65,370
- Crane and Tower Operators $64,430
- First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors $62,670
- Wellhead Pumpers $60,560
- Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers $56,940
- Machine Feeders and Offbearers $49,430
- Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators $48,120
- Bus Drivers, School $44,720
- Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity $44,480
- Driver/Sales Workers $43,380
- Light Truck Drivers $42,620
- Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors $42,540
- Traffic Technicians $41,590
- Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand $39,960
- Conveyor Operators and Tenders $39,870
- Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment $38,130
- Stockers and Order Fillers $35,830
- Packers and Packagers, Hand $35,660
- Aircraft Service Attendants $34,730
- Automotive and Watercraft Service Attendants $34,670
- Shuttle Drivers and Chauffeurs $33,120
- Parking Attendants $32,380
- Motor Vehicle Operators, All Other $22,300
Business and financial 27
- Personal Financial Advisors $100,810
- Project Management Specialists $86,330
- Loan Officers $82,540
- Financial and Investment Analysts $82,070
- Insurance Underwriters $81,920
- Management Analysts $81,130
- Business Operations Specialists, All Other $81,100
- Budget Analysts $81,060
- Financial Examiners $80,100
- Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators $76,660
- Human Resources Specialists $76,490
- Accountants and Auditors $76,400
- Financial Risk Specialists $76,400
- Labor Relations Specialists $73,020
- Cost Estimators $72,600
- Credit Analysts $70,040
- Compliance Officers $66,980
- Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists $65,680
- Training and Development Specialists $64,670
- Buyers and Purchasing Agents $64,460
- Fundraisers $62,290
- Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists $62,230
- Property Appraisers and Assessors $52,870
- Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners $51,600
- Logisticians $51,430
- Financial Specialists, All Other $50,660
- Tax Preparers $44,810
Architecture and engineering 27
- Aerospace Engineers $126,640
- Petroleum Engineers $118,020
- Chemical Engineers $107,200
- Health and Safety Engineers, Except Mining Safety Engineers and Inspectors $105,010
- Computer Hardware Engineers $101,650
- Electronics Engineers, Except Computer $99,650
- Electrical Engineers $97,680
- Materials Engineers $97,200
- Industrial Engineers $96,650
- Environmental Engineers $93,540
- Mechanical Engineers $91,770
- Civil Engineers $86,780
- Architects, Except Landscape and Naval $82,660
- Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians $76,130
- Electrical and Electronics Drafters $75,760
- Mechanical Drafters $73,800
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians $73,060
- Surveyors $70,820
- Engineers, All Other $69,210
- Landscape Architects $65,200
- Architectural and Civil Drafters $60,940
- Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other $60,130
- Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians $59,540
- Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians $58,700
- Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians $52,700
- Cartographers and Photogrammetrists $50,500
- Surveying and Mapping Technicians $49,850
Arts, design, entertainment and media 23
- Commercial and Industrial Designers $100,010
- Technical Writers $72,330
- Court Reporters and Simultaneous Captioners $71,070
- Art Directors $69,840
- Public Relations Specialists $61,910
- Writers and Authors $59,440
- Producers and Directors $54,750
- Editors $54,480
- Interior Designers $54,400
- Graphic Designers $49,820
- Interpreters and Translators $47,830
- Audio and Video Technicians $47,070
- Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film $46,490
- Coaches and Scouts $40,040
- Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers $39,000
- Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys $36,680
- Athletes and Sports Competitors $36,650
- Photographers $35,930
- News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists $34,330
- Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Officials $32,970
- Floral Designers $30,150
- Set and Exhibit Designers $16,730
- Musicians and Singers not reported
Sales 20
- Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical and Scientific Products $123,560
- Sales Engineers $88,990
- First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers $73,820
- Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents $73,470
- Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products $71,000
- Sales Representatives of Services, Except Advertising, Insurance, Financial Services, and Travel $61,690
- Insurance Sales Agents $60,920
- Advertising Sales Agents $48,520
- Travel Agents $47,390
- First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers $46,080
- Real Estate Sales Agents $44,290
- Real Estate Brokers $40,930
- Counter and Rental Clerks $38,060
- Parts Salespersons $36,740
- Gambling Change Persons and Booth Cashiers $33,960
- Demonstrators and Product Promoters $32,990
- Retail Salespersons $31,670
- Sales and Related Workers, All Other $30,830
- Cashiers $27,580
- Telemarketers $23,850
Personal care and service 19
- First-Line Supervisors of Gambling Services Workers $50,580
- Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers $46,920
- First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services $44,180
- Gambling Dealers $44,030
- First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers $42,630
- Residential Advisors $37,320
- Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors $36,560
- Skincare Specialists $36,240
- Animal Trainers $35,360
- Personal Care and Service Workers, All Other $35,220
- Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists $34,740
- Tour and Travel Guides $33,490
- Manicurists and Pedicurists $30,650
- Recreation Workers $30,370
- Funeral Attendants $30,010
- Childcare Workers $28,800
- Animal Caretakers $27,970
- Amusement and Recreation Attendants $23,920
- Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers $22,840
Computing and mathematics 17
- Database Architects $129,060
- Actuaries $125,690
- Database Administrators $112,740
- Data Scientists $110,320
- Software Developers $106,660
- Computer Network Architects $100,910
- Computer Occupations, All Other $100,090
- Operations Research Analysts $99,740
- Information Security Analysts $99,420
- Computer Systems Analysts $97,300
- Computer Programmers $91,600
- Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers $83,070
- Network and Computer Systems Administrators $82,150
- Web and Digital Interface Designers $73,640
- Web Developers $71,430
- Computer Network Support Specialists $66,760
- Computer User Support Specialists $50,870
Protective service 17
- First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives $82,220
- First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers $75,630
- Detectives and Criminal Investigators $68,180
- Bailiffs $66,100
- First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers $61,730
- Transportation Security Screeners $59,950
- First-Line Supervisors of Security Workers $57,550
- Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers $56,610
- Correctional Officers and Jailers $46,080
- Private Detectives and Investigators $45,020
- Protective Service Workers, All Other $44,250
- Firefighters $44,060
- Animal Control Workers $43,250
- Security Guards $36,090
- Crossing Guards and Flaggers $32,720
- School Bus Monitors $29,320
- Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers $24,960
Healthcare support 16
- Occupational Therapy Assistants $64,880
- Physical Therapist Assistants $63,010
- Healthcare Support Workers, All Other $53,770
- Massage Therapists $47,940
- Medical Equipment Preparers $40,410
- Dental Assistants $39,840
- Medical Assistants $39,090
- Phlebotomists $38,330
- Psychiatric Aides $37,050
- Nursing Assistants $36,910
- Orderlies $36,440
- Medical Transcriptionists $35,270
- Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers $32,670
- Home Health and Personal Care Aides $29,190
- Physical Therapist Aides $28,810
- Pharmacy Aides $28,800
Community and social service 13
- Health Education Specialists $66,960
- Marriage and Family Therapists $66,620
- Healthcare Social Workers $64,280
- Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors $58,430
- Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors $57,760
- Clergy $57,610
- Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists $56,120
- Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers $56,110
- Child, Family, and School Social Workers $52,690
- Community Health Workers $49,040
- Community and Social Service Specialists, All Other $44,910
- Rehabilitation Counselors $41,210
- Social and Human Service Assistants $40,540
Food preparation and serving 13
- Chefs and Head Cooks $58,290
- First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers $37,910
- Cooks, Restaurant $34,200
- Waiters and Waitresses $31,560
- Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria $30,920
- Food Preparation Workers $29,410
- Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers $28,320
- Cooks, Fast Food $28,100
- Bartenders $27,760
- Fast Food and Counter Workers $27,000
- Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop $26,970
- Dishwashers $26,740
- Food Servers, Nonrestaurant $26,250
Building and grounds maintenance 8
- First-Line Supervisors of Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping Workers $58,440
- First-Line Supervisors of Housekeeping and Janitorial Workers $50,070
- Pesticide Handlers, Sprayers, and Applicators, Vegetation $46,470
- Pest Control Workers $45,370
- Tree Trimmers and Pruners $44,640
- Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers $37,790
- Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners $32,690
- Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners $30,020
Farming, fishing and forestry 6
- First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers $56,250
- Agricultural Inspectors $50,830
- Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products $46,120
- Agricultural Equipment Operators $44,510
- Farmworkers, Farm, Ranch, and Aquacultural Animals $36,940
- Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse $33,530
Frequently asked questions
What is the average salary in Kansas?
The median across all occupations is $46,850 a year, or $22.53 an hour, covering 1,431,180 wage and salary workers. Median rather than mean, because a handful of very high earners pull an average upward and describe nobody.
Which jobs pay the most in Kansas?
Family Medicine Physicians ($237,200), Pediatricians, General ($194,810), Dentists, General ($170,090) lead the table. Medical specialities dominate the top of almost every state list, which says more about how the occupation is classified than about local conditions.
What does Kansas employ the most people in?
Fast Food and Counter Workers, with 45,420 employed at a median of $27,000. The largest occupations in any state are usually retail, food service, transport and administrative roles.
Does a higher salary here mean more money in practice?
Not necessarily. Wages and living costs move together. Kansas electricity averages 15.13¢ per kilowatt-hour against a national 16.44¢ in Texas as one comparison, and housing costs vary far more than that. Read a salary figure alongside what it costs to live where it is earned.