Belton vs Kansas City: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Belton, MO and Kansas City, MO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Belton, MO | Kansas City, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $80,687 | $101,460▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $38.79 | $48.78▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $55,763 | $69,829▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $63,652 | $80,852▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $99,885 | $130,617▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $120,658 | $159,189▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 3,230▲ |
Verdict
Kansas City, MO offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Belton.
The salary gap between Belton and Kansas City is $20,773 (25.75%). Kansas City's median is -1.96% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Belton spans $64,895,Kansas City spans $89,360. Kansas City has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced civil engineers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Kansas City ($109,636 effective) pays 21.75% more than Belton ($90,052 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Belton if…
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Choose Kansas City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($101,460/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($159,189)
- ✓Larger job market (3,230 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $109,636)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Belton grew 5.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 33.0% growth in Kansas City over the same period.
Belton, MO
$74,547 (2024) → $78,619 (2025)
Kansas City, MO
$74,320 (2019) → $98,860 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Belton, MO
Kansas City, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Belton or Kansas City?
What is the hourly rate difference between Belton and Kansas City?
Should I relocate from Belton to Kansas City as a civil engineer?
What do entry-level civil engineers earn in Belton vs Kansas City?
Related Comparisons
Written by Jordan Chen, P.E.
Career Analyst
Jordan Chen has 10 years of experience in structural engineering. He works primarily in urban infrastructure projects.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.63% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Chen, P.E., a licensed civil engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov