Top Paying Jobs in Kansas
Kansas has 100 tracked occupation categories totaling 129,980 jobs. The highest-paying occupations include Anesthesiologists ($437,030), Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatric ($311,630), Psychiatrists ($278,100). The cost of living index is 89.54 (national average = 100). Median 2-bedroom rent is $1,066/month.
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State-level averages. Salaries, rent, and cost of living vary significantly between metros. For more accurate data, select a metro area from the list below or browse all metros.
$130K
Avg. median salary
89.54
Cost of living index
$1,066
Median 2BR rent
2,966,986
Population
Highest paying careers in Kansas
| Rank | Occupation | Category | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21 | Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates | Legal | $149K | $71.59/hr |
| 22 | Advertising and Promotions Managers | Management | $149K | $71.43/hr |
| 23 | Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers | Transportation | $144K | N/A |
| 24 | Economists | Science | $139K | $66.72/hr |
| 25 | Law Teachers, Postsecondary | Education | $139K | N/A |
| 26 | Optometrists | Healthcare | $139K | $66.63/hr |
| 27 | Pharmacists | Healthcare | $138K | $66.25/hr |
| 28 | Human Resources Managers | Management | $134K | $64.65/hr |
| 29 | Managers, All Other | Management | $132K | $63.32/hr |
| 30 | Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical and Scientific Products | Sales | $131K | $62.91/hr |
Affordability snapshot: Kansas
These are statewide averages. Costs vary widely between metros, click into a specific city for precise numbers.
Cost of living vs. national average-10.5% less expensive
2-bedroom apartment (FMR)$1,066/mo
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Metro areas in Kansas
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After federal and state taxes
Can you afford a 2-bedroom in Kansas?
Salary thresholds by HUD rent data
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Kansas?
Monthly budget breakdown with HUD and BLS data