These 10 professions pay well and are in high demand in Kansas. Is yours on the list?
Over 1.5 million people work in Kansas, with jobs ranging from appliance repairer to zoologists. But which ones are the most desired in the Sunflower State?
The Kansas Department of Labor shared statistics on jobs in the state in their 2024 Kansas Economic Report, published in September.
The list of high-wage, in-demand jobs includes high-demand jobs that typically pay more than the median annual wage in Kansas: $45,250 as of May 2023. High demand jobs were determined by the amount of current job openings and the projected job openings over the next two and 10 years.
Some positions on the list require a college degree, while others just need on-the-job training.
The most common profession in Kansas is fast food or counter service restaurant worker, with more than 40,000 people working the job. This is followed by cashiers, customer service representatives and registered nurses.
In July, unemployment increased in Kansas, but the 3.2% unemployment rate is still lower than both Missouri and the nation, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Since then, Hostess Brands closed their corporate headquarters in Lenexa, and a change in production at General Motors’ Fairfax plant led to hunderds of auto workers being laid offt.
Here are 10 high paying, high demand jobs from the Kansas Department of Labor. The example job titles come from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
General and Operations Managers
- Annual median wage: $85,690
- Education: bachelor’s degree
- Job title examples: Department Store Manager, General Superintendent, Operational Risk Manager, Radio Station Manager
Registered Nurses
- Annual median wage: $75,780
- Education: bachelor’s degree
Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers
- Annual median wage: $53,250
- Education: postsecondary nondegree award or certification, with short-term on-the-job training
Accountants and Auditors
- Annual median wage: $75,870
- Education: bachelor’s degree
First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers
- Annual median wage: $46,310
- Education: high school diploma or equivalent
- Job title examples: Cashier Supervisor, Delicatessen Department Manager
First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers
- Annual median wage: $68,810
- Education: high school diploma or equivalent
- Job title examples: Assembly Line Supervisor, Machinist Supervisor, Printing Worker Supervisor
Elementary School Teachers, except Special Education
- Annual median wage: $50,910
- Education: bachelor’s degree
Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants
- Annual median wage: $61,140
- Education: high school diploma or equivalent
Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers and Weighers
- Annual median wage: $50,200
- Education: High school diploma or equivalent, with moderate-term on-the-job training
- Job title examples: Machined Parts Quality Inspector, Petroleum Sampler
Sales Representatives of Services, Except Advertising, Insurance, Financial Services, and Travel
- Annual median wage: $63,420
- Education: high school diploma or equivalent, with moderate-term on-the-job training
- Job title examples: Business Services Sales Representative, Membership Solicitor, Pest Control Service Sales Agent
Have more questions about jobs in Kansas? Ask the Service Journalism team at kcq@kcstar.com.
