Kansas City vs University City: Data Analyst Salary (2026)
Compare data analyst salaries between Kansas City, MO and University City, MO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Kansas City, MO | University City, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $66,780▲ | $58,657 |
| Hourly Rate | $32.11▲ | $28.20 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,338▲ | $34,021 |
| 25th Percentile | $50,792▲ | $42,233 |
| 75th Percentile | $85,952▲ | $75,081 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $99,672▲ | $90,918 |
| Total Employed | 1,260▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Kansas City, MO offers better overall compensation for data analysts, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to University City.
The salary gap between Kansas City and University City is $8,123 (13.85%). Kansas City's median is -16.93% compared to the US national median of $80,394.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Kansas City spans $58,334,University City spans $56,897. 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 ($72,161 effective) pays 10.23% more than University City ($65,465 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 ($66,780/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($99,672)
- ✓Larger job market (1,260 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $72,161)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Choose University City if…
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, data analyst salaries in Kansas City grew -18.5% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -36.4% growth in University City over the same period.
Kansas City, MO
$78,410 (2021) → $63,917 (2025)
University City, MO
$88,334 (2024) → $56,142 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Kansas City, MO
University City, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays data analysts more: Kansas City or University City?
What is the hourly rate difference between Kansas City and University City?
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What do entry-level data analysts earn in Kansas City vs University City?
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Written by Aisha Patel, MA, Certified Data Analyst
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience in data analysis. She specializes in business intelligence and works at a tech consulting firm.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.48% 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 Aisha Patel, MA, Certified Data Analyst, a licensed data analyst with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov