Accountant Salary in Kansas City, MO: $82,129 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time accountant in Kansas City, MO earns a median $82,129/year (≈ $39.48/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 13-2011). Once you factor in Kansas City's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 92.5), that paycheck buys what $88,747 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 10.0% above the Missouri state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, accountants in Kansas City, Missouri, can expect to earn a median annual salary of $82,129, which is slightly below the national average of $85,864. The range for accountant compensation in the region spans from $56,107 at the 10th percentile to $133,721 for those at the 90th percentile. These figures, derived from the official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) surveys, illustrate the competitive landscape for accounting professionals in the area. Notably, achieving CPA licensure opens doors to higher pay and enhanced career advancement opportunities, particularly in public accounting where the transition from junior staff to senior positions often aligns with significant salary increases.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $56,107 | $26.98 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $65,578 | $31.53 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $82,129 | $39.48 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $105,637 | $50.79 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $133,721 | $64.29 |
Median Salary Position
4.35% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Kansas City
In Kansas City, MO, the accountant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $77,614 (2026 est.). At $82,129, the local median is 4.35% below the national median of $85,864.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Kansas City: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Kansas City Accountant Pay Compares
Kansas City median: $82,129/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Kansas City Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Missouri Average | $74,663 | +10.00% more |
| National Average | $85,864 | -4.35% less |
Accountants in Kansas City, MO earn a median of $82,129 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.35% lower than the national median of $85,864 and 10.00% above the Missouri state average of $74,663.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Kansas City has a cost of living 7.46% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Kansas City, MO has a cost-of-living index of 92.543 (below the national average of 100). A accountant earning $82,129 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $88,747 in an average-cost city — an effective 8.06% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$65,350
2025 BLS Actual
$80,040
2026 Current Est.
$82,129
2019–2027 Growth
+29.0%
Salary Trajectory for Accountants in Kansas City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.61% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $65,350 | Actual |
| 2020 | $67,490 | Actual |
| 2021 | $63,350 | Actual |
| 2022 | $73,850 | Actual |
| 2023 | $78,500 | Actual |
| 2024 | $79,340 | Actual |
| 2025 | $80,040 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $82,129 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $84,273 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Kansas City metropolitan area, the median accountant salary grew 22.5% from $65,350 (2019) to $80,040 (2025). At a 2.61% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $84,273 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,923 (28.96%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kansas City metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.61% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $56,107 – $65,578 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $65,578 – $82,129 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $82,129 – $105,637 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $105,637 – $133,721 |
CPA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual accountant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Accountant Job Market in Kansas City
The job market for accountants in Kansas City is robust, with approximately 11,260 professionals employed in the field. The local economy offers a cost-of-living index of 92.543, indicating that salaries stretch further here compared to national averages, enhancing overall purchasing power. Major employers such as the Big 4 public accounting firms tend to offer the most lucrative pay packages, while regional and mid-tier firms also present solid opportunities. Variations in salaries are influenced by factors such as licensure status, with CPAs generally earning more than their non-licensed counterparts, and the prestige of the employing firm. Additionally, specialties like tax or forensic accounting often come with pay premiums. For those seeking to maximize their income, pursuing CPA certification, gaining experience in high-demand sectors, and considering roles in public accounting that lead to industry positions can significantly enhance earning potential in Kansas City, MO.
More salary data for Kansas City, MO:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Sofia Patel, CPA
Career Analyst
Sofia Patel has over 10 years of experience in financial analysis. She specializes in tax preparation for small businesses. She has worked in both corporate and public accounting environments.
Methodology & Data Source
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $80,040 for accountantsin the Kansas City metropolitan area. A 2.61% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.61%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for accountants (SOC 13-2011).
Compiled and verified by Sofia Patel, CPA, a licensed accountant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov