Data Scientist Salary in Kansas City 2025

Quick Answer

Data Scientist Salary in Kansas City: Overview

Data scientists are among the most sought-after technical professionals in today’s job market, and Kansas City has emerged as a competitive hub for data-driven roles. The $99,590 annual mean salary reflects the city’s growing demand for analytics and machine learning expertise across healthcare, financial services, and technology sectors.

This salary positions Kansas City competitively within the Midwest, though it’s important to understand how this figure breaks down across experience levels and how local cost of living affects real purchasing power.

Understanding the BLS Data

The salary figure cited comes from the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ most recent comprehensive occupational survey (2024). The OEWS program surveys thousands of employers quarterly, making it the most reliable public source for occupational wage data in the United States. The data reflects mean (average) wages, which can be influenced by high earners; for a more precise picture of what a typical data scientist might expect, median figures would be more representative, though those are not available in the current dataset.

Cost of Living Context

Understanding raw salary requires context about what that money actually buys in Kansas City. The metropolitan area has a relatively moderate cost of living compared to major tech hubs like San Francisco or New York, which means the $99,590 salary stretches further here than it would on the coasts.

Monthly Income Breakdown:

• Annual salary: $99,590
• Gross monthly income: ~$8,299
• After typical federal/state taxes (~25%): ~$6,224 take-home

For a data scientist earning the mean salary in Kansas City, monthly expenses must be evaluated against this take-home figure. Housing, transportation, and lifestyle costs are generally lower in Kansas City than in major metropolitan areas, making this salary more competitive from a purchasing power perspective.

Rent and Housing Affordability

Cost of living data from Census ACS and Zillow indicates that Kansas City maintains relatively affordable housing compared to national averages. The median rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Kansas City typically ranges from $800–$1,100 per month, depending on neighborhood and proximity to employment centers. For a data scientist earning $99,590 annually, monthly rent would consume roughly 12–16% of gross income—well within the recommended 30% threshold for housing affordability.

This affordability advantage is a key reason many data scientists consider Kansas City an attractive relocation destination, particularly those moving from higher-cost regions.

Job Outlook and Career Trajectory

Data science remains one of the fastest-growing occupational categories in the U.S. labor market. The field benefits from sustained demand across industries as organizations increasingly rely on data-driven decision-making. Kansas City’s growing presence in healthcare analytics, financial technology, and e-commerce supports steady job growth in this region.

Career Development in Kansas City:

• Strong presence of healthcare organizations (Mayo Clinic, Cerner, Blue Cross Blue Shield)
• Growing fintech and financial services sector
• Tech startups and established software companies (Garmin, Hallmark, Sprint/T-Mobile legacy operations)
• University research institutions offering collaborative opportunities

Entry-level data scientists in Kansas City typically start with degrees in computer science, statistics, mathematics, or related fields. Advanced degrees (master’s or PhD) can command higher salaries, particularly in research-focused roles.

Related Guides

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the starting salary for a data scientist in Kansas City?

Entry-level data scientists with a bachelor’s degree and minimal experience typically start between $65,000–$80,000 annually in Kansas City. The exact starting offer depends on educational background (bachelor’s vs. master’s degree), specific technical skills (Python, SQL, machine learning frameworks), and the hiring organization’s size and industry. Larger corporations and tech companies tend to offer higher entry-level salaries than smaller firms or nonprofits.

How does data scientist salary in Kansas City compare to the national average?

The $99,590 mean salary in Kansas City aligns closely with national trends for data scientists. However, this varies significantly by metropolitan area. Major tech hubs like the San Francisco Bay Area, Seattle, and New York command 20–40% higher salaries, while smaller markets may offer 10–20% less. When adjusted for cost of living, Kansas City’s salary becomes even more competitive, as the lower cost of living means greater real purchasing power than the nominal figure suggests.

Is it worth relocating to Kansas City for a data scientist position?

For many data scientists, Kansas City presents a compelling relocation opportunity. The $99,590 average salary, combined with moderate cost of living, produces strong real income after expenses. The city offers good quality of life, affordable housing, and a growing job market—making it particularly attractive for mid-career professionals seeking better work-life balance than they might find in high-pressure tech hubs. However, if career advancement through rapid job-hopping is a priority, or if you require access to the densest concentration of data science roles, larger tech markets may still offer more opportunities.

What skills command the highest salaries for data scientists in Kansas City?

Data scientists with expertise in machine learning, cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP), advanced statistical modeling, and big data technologies (Spark, Hadoop) typically earn above the mean salary. Additionally, domain expertise in healthcare, finance, or insurance—industries well-represented in Kansas City—can increase earning potential. Leadership and management experience also correlates with higher compensation.

What are the typical benefits offered with data scientist roles in Kansas City?

Beyond base salary, Kansas City employers typically offer comprehensive benefits packages including health insurance, 401(k) matching (often 3–6%), paid time off (15–25 days annually), professional development budgets, and increasingly, remote work flexibility. Larger corporations and tech firms often add stock options, performance bonuses (10–20% of base), and specialized benefits like student loan repayment assistance.

---

Data Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024. SOC Code 15-2051 (Data Scientists and Mathematical Science Occupations, All Other), Kansas City MSA (28140).

Cost of Living Data: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey and Zillow Observed Rent Index.

Last Updated: April 10, 2026

Disclaimer: This article presents salary data from public sources and is intended for informational purposes only. Actual compensation varies based on individual qualifications, employer, specific role responsibilities, and market conditions. This content should not be construed as financial or career advice. Always verify current salary data and consult with industry professionals when making career decisions.