What the numbers say
About 28,180 Registered Nurses work in the Kansas City metro, making it one of the larger nursing labor markets in the region. The 2024 median annual wage was $82,630, which comes in about 3.6% above the Missouri statewide median of $79,770.
The national comparison tells a different story. The US median for Registered Nurses was $94,511 in 2024, so Kansas City nurses earned roughly $11,900 less than the national midpoint. That gap is common in Midwest metros, where the cost of living tends to run lower than in the coastal markets that pull the national figure up.
The spread between the lowest and highest earners here is notable. The 10th percentile came in at $65,360, while the 90th percentile reached $104,240. Top earners made about 59% more than those near the bottom of the wage scale. That kind of range typically reflects differences in specialty, experience, and care setting. An ICU nurse with ten years in carries a different rate than a new graduate in a general medical ward.
The average wage of $85,540 sits about $2,900 above the median. When the mean pulls ahead of the median by that margin, a modest share of higher-paid nurses in specialized or leadership roles is likely lifting the average. The gap is relatively small, which suggests the wage distribution across the Kansas City metro is fairly even compared to some other major metros.
Salary distribution
Where Kansas City registered nurses fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $77,910 and $98,700, with a median of $83,040.
Typical entry
Education
Bachelor's degree
Experience
None
On-the-job training
None
Top skills (O*NET)
- 4.6 / 5
Psychology
Knowledge
- 4.4 / 5
Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge
- 4.4 / 5
Medicine and Dentistry
Knowledge
- 4.2 / 5
English Language
Knowledge
- 4.1 / 5
Deductive Reasoning
Ability
- 4.1 / 5
Social Perceptiveness
Technical
- 4.1 / 5
Problem Sensitivity
Ability
- 4.0 / 5
Speaking
Basic skill
Common tasks (O*NET)
- 01
Record patients' medical information and vital signs.
- 02
Administer medications to patients and monitor patients for reactions or side effects.
- 03
Maintain accurate, detailed reports and records.
- 04
Monitor, record, and report symptoms or changes in patients' conditions.
- 05
Provide health care, first aid, immunizations, or assistance in convalescence or rehabilitation in locations such as schools, hospitals, or industry.
- 06
Consult and coordinate with healthcare team members to assess, plan, implement, or evaluate patient care plans.
- 07
Direct or supervise less-skilled nursing or healthcare personnel or supervise a particular unit.
- 08
Monitor all aspects of patient care, including diet and physical activity.
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How the Kansas City metro compares to other major Missouri metro areas for registered nurses.
- St. Louis$83,180
Frequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Registered Nurses in Kansas City, Missouri?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Registered Nurses in the Kansas City metropolitan area is $83,040.
- Does Kansas City pay more than the Missouri state average for Registered Nurses?
- The Kansas City metro median is +1.5% versus the Missouri state median of $81,780.
- How does Kansas City compare to the national median for Registered Nurses?
- The Kansas City metro median is -15.6% versus the BLS national figure of $98,331.
- What is the salary range for Registered Nurses in Kansas City?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $66,970 and the 90th-percentile at $103,540 for the Kansas City metro area.
- What education is required for Registered Nurses?
- BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Bachelor's degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the Kansas City CBSA boundary for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.