Kansas City vs Maryland Heights: Lawyer Salary (2026)
Compare lawyer salaries between Kansas City, MO and Maryland Heights, MO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Kansas City, MO | Maryland Heights, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $140,968▲ | $103,427 |
| Hourly Rate | $67.77▲ | $49.72 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,991▲ | $59,988 |
| 25th Percentile | $103,318▲ | $74,467 |
| 75th Percentile | $204,249▲ | $132,387 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $300,698▲ | $160,311 |
| Total Employed | 5,310▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Kansas City, MO offers better overall compensation for lawyers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Maryland Heights.
The salary gap between Kansas City and Maryland Heights is $37,541 (36.30%). Kansas City's median is -15.68% compared to the US national median of $167,174.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Kansas City spans $218,707,Maryland Heights spans $100,323. 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 ($152,327 effective) pays 31.96% more than Maryland Heights ($115,432 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 ($140,968/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($300,698)
- ✓Larger job market (5,310 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $152,327)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Choose Maryland Heights if…
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, lawyer salaries in Kansas City grew 20.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -12.3% growth in Maryland Heights over the same period.
Kansas City, MO
$112,060 (2019) → $134,640 (2025)
Maryland Heights, MO
$112,640 (2024) → $98,784 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Kansas City, MO
Maryland Heights, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays lawyers more: Kansas City or Maryland Heights?
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Written by Alexandra Chen, JD
Career Analyst
Alexandra has 10 years of experience in corporate law. She specializes in mergers and acquisitions. Alexandra works at a mid-sized law firm in New York City.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.70% 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 Alexandra Chen, JD, a licensed lawyer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov