Salary Data
Project Manager Salary in Kansas City
$93,000
median salary, 7% below the national average
According to Orbit's 2026 salary analysis, the average Project Manager salary in Kansas City is $93,000. Salaries range from $73,000 (25th percentile) to $121,000 (75th percentile), adjusted for Kansas City's cost of living.
Salary range
How Kansas City compares
Kansas City, MO
$93,000
Cost of living: 7% below average
National Average
$100,000
Kansas City is $7,000 below
Project Manager job market in Kansas City
Kansas City market overview
Kansas City straddles Missouri and Kansas, creating a unique dual state job market with strong logistics, tech, and agriculture technology sectors. The metro's central location has made it a hub for distribution centers and supply chain companies. Cerner's healthcare IT presence and a growing startup scene have boosted demand for technology professionals.
What drives Project Manager salaries
Industry, project complexity, and budget size are the primary drivers. IT and construction project managers managing multimillion dollar initiatives earn significantly more than those on smaller engagements. PMP certification adds a measurable premium. Agile coaching experience and program level responsibility also push compensation upward.
Beyond base salary
Total compensation
Bonuses of 8 to 15% tied to project delivery milestones are common. Equity is available at tech companies, adding $10,000 to $50,000 annually. Benefits packages often include professional development budgets and certification exam reimbursement for PMP, Scrum Master, and related credentials.
Tax considerations in Kansas City
Missouri's top income tax rate is about 4.8%, and Kansas City adds a 1% earnings tax. Workers living in Kansas face that state's rates instead. Choose your side of the state line carefully.
Career progression
Associate project managers start at $60,000 to $80,000, advancing to PM at $90,000 to $125,000 in two to four years. Senior PMs earn $125,000 to $160,000. Program managers reach $150,000 to $200,000, and directors of PMO or VP level roles at large organizations can exceed $220,000.
Top industries in Kansas City
Negotiating in Kansas City
Negotiate which side of the state line you will be based on. Your tax situation differs meaningfully between Missouri and Kansas, and some employers offer flexibility on office location.