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Military Enlisted Salary in Kansas City, MO β€” 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Kansas City's cost of living (index: 92). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Military Enlisted Salary in Kansas City β€” Key Numbers

$37,720
Median Salary
$27,140
25th Percentile
$52,256
75th Percentile
$68,080
90th Percentile
National median (Military Enlisted)$41,000
vs. National median-8.0%
Kansas City median household income$67,800
vs. City household income-44.4%

Cost of Living in Kansas City

Cost of Living Index
92(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$1,146/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio36.5%
Annual rent cost$13,752
Median Home Price$270,000
Home Price / Salary7.2Γ—
20% Down Payment$54,000
Years to save (20% rate)7.2 yrs

Rent-to-income below 28% is considered affordable; above 35% is cost-burdened. Home price multiple below 3Γ— is affordable; above 5Γ— is expensive by traditional guidelines.

Job Market in Kansas City

3.7%
Unemployment Rate
2,230,000
Metro Population
23 min
Avg Commute
35.7
Median Age

Kansas City has a metro population of 2,230,000, offering a large, diverse job market with many employers across all industries. The 3.7% unemployment rate is below the national average, suggesting a tight labor market favorable to job seekers.

Military Enlisted Salary β€” Other Missouri Cities

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Military Enlisted make in Kansas City, MO?

The estimated median salary for a Military Enlisted in Kansas City is $37,720 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $41,000 adjusted by Kansas City's cost of living index (92). The typical salary range runs from $27,140 (25th percentile) to $52,256 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $68,080.

Is Kansas City affordable for a Military Enlisted?

On a $37,720 annual salary, a Military Enlisted in Kansas City would spend approximately 36.5% of gross monthly income on median rent ($1,146/month). This exceeds the 35% cost-burden threshold. Many Military Enlisteds in Kansas City may find housing costs a significant financial pressure. The median home price of $270,000 is 7.2Γ— the annual salary.

How does a Military Enlisted's salary compare to Kansas City's overall income?

Kansas City's median household income is $67,800. A Military Enlisted earning the city-adjusted median of $37,720 earns 44.4% less than the typical Kansas City household income. This may reflect that the profession is entry-level or that Kansas City has a particularly high median household income due to high-earning industries.

Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS, 2024 release. City salary estimates adjusted by cost of living index. City data from Census Bureau, BLS, Zillow, and ApartmentAdvisor (2024–2025). Last updated: March 2026.