Kansas City vs Lee's Summit: Veterinarian Salary (2026)
Compare veterinarian salaries between Kansas City, MO and Lee's Summit, MO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Kansas City, MO | Lee's Summit, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $129,300▲ | $107,479 |
| Hourly Rate | $62.16▲ | $51.67 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,186▲ | $62,337 |
| 25th Percentile | $105,813▲ | $83,305 |
| 75th Percentile | $156,598▲ | $137,573 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $211,025▲ | $166,593 |
| Total Employed | 750▲ | 20 |
Verdict
Kansas City, MO offers better overall compensation for veterinarians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Lee's Summit.
The salary gap between Kansas City and Lee's Summit is $21,821 (20.30%). Kansas City's median is -5.85% compared to the US national median of $137,334.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Kansas City spans $129,839,Lee's Summit spans $104,256. 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 ($139,719 effective) pays 16.48% more than Lee's Summit ($119,954 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 ($129,300/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($211,025)
- ✓Larger job market (750 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $139,719)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Choose Lee's Summit if…
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinarian salaries in Kansas City grew 46.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 8.2% growth in Lee's Summit over the same period.
Kansas City, MO
$83,790 (2019) → $122,490 (2025)
Lee's Summit, MO
$94,142 (2024) → $101,818 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Kansas City, MO
Lee's Summit, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays veterinarians more: Kansas City or Lee's Summit?
What is the hourly rate difference between Kansas City and Lee's Summit?
Should I relocate from Kansas City to Lee's Summit as a veterinarian?
What do entry-level veterinarians earn in Kansas City vs Lee's Summit?
Related Comparisons
Written by Dr. Alice Nguyen, DVM
Career Analyst
Dr. Alice Nguyen has 10 years of experience in veterinary medicine. She specializes in small animal surgery. She currently works at a suburban veterinary clinic.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.56% 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 Dr. Alice Nguyen, DVM, a licensed veterinarian with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov