Kansas City vs Lee's Summit: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Kansas City, MO and Lee's Summit, MO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Kansas City, MO | Lee's Summit, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $101,460▲ | $84,592 |
| Hourly Rate | $48.78▲ | $40.67 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $69,829▲ | $57,274 |
| 25th Percentile | $80,852▲ | $66,636 |
| 75th Percentile | $130,617▲ | $108,278 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $159,189▲ | $131,117 |
| Total Employed | 3,230▲ | 20 |
Verdict
Kansas City, MO offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Lee's Summit.
The salary gap between Kansas City and Lee's Summit is $16,868 (19.94%). 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 Kansas City spans $89,360,Lee's Summit spans $73,843. Kansas City has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Kansas City ($109,636 effective) pays 16.13% more than Lee's Summit ($94,411 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose Lee's Summit if…
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Kansas City grew 33.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 5.5% growth in Lee's Summit over the same period.
Kansas City, MO
$74,320 (2019) → $98,860 (2025)
Lee's Summit, MO
$78,155 (2024) → $82,424 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Kansas City, MO
Lee's Summit, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Kansas City or Lee's Summit?
What is the hourly rate difference between Kansas City and Lee's Summit?
Should I relocate from Kansas City to Lee's Summit as a civil engineer?
What do entry-level civil engineers earn in Kansas City vs Lee's Summit?
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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