Chief Operating Officer Jobs in Kansas City, MO

Kansas City, Missouri$259,350 USD/yearFull-time
Updated: April 2026Expert reviewed|Data sourced from BLS, Glassdoor, and industry reports

About Chief Operating Officer Jobs in Kansas City

Looking for a Chief Operating Officer job in Kansas City? You're in the right place. This guide covers everything you need to know about working as a Chief Operating Officer in Kansas City, MO.

We'll show you what you can expect to earn. We'll also share which companies are hiring. Plus, you'll learn about the cost of living and how to get started in your job search.

Kansas City has a strong job market for Chief Operating Officers. Many employers are actively looking for talent. Read on to learn how to land your next role.

Chief Operating Officer Salary in Kansas City

Entry Level
$131,495
Median
$259,350
Senior Level
$418,600

Chief Operating Officer salaries in Kansas City are in line with national averages, offering competitive compensation for the region.

Purchasing power in Kansas City is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

Required Skills

Operations StrategyTeam LeadershipProcess OptimizationFinancial ManagementStrategic Planning

Chief Operating Officer Job Market in Kansas City

Kansas City, MO is a major regional employment hub for Chief Operating Officer professionals. As a mid-sized metro with 508K residents, Kansas City balances career opportunities with quality of life. While Healthcare leads the local economy, there's growing demand for Chief Operating Officer roles across various sectors. The market for Chief Operating Officer positions remains stable, with opportunities in both established companies and growing organizations.

Top Companies Hiring Chief Operating Officers in Kansas City

City of Kansas CityKCATAEvergySprint/T-Mobile

Major employers hiring Chief Operating Officers in Kansas City include City of Kansas City, KCATA, Evergy, Sprint/T-Mobile. Many companies offer competitive benefits including comprehensive healthcare, and professional development opportunities.

Cost of Living for Chief Operating Officers in Kansas City

Living in Kansas City as a Chief Operating Officer means navigating a cost of living that's close to the national average. Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,200/month (33% below the national average). At median Chief Operating Officer salary, housing is quite affordable at 6% of gross income, leaving room for savings and lifestyle spending. Suburban apartments average $950/month, offering significant savings with slightly longer commutes.

91
Cost Index (100=avg)
$1.2K
Avg Rent/Month
Growing
Tech Hub
Tier 2
Market Size

Commuting as a Chief Operating Officer in Kansas City

Kansas City Limited public transit options; car recommended for most commutes. The average commute time is 25 minutes. Research employer-specific shuttle services. Consider living close to your workplace. Since transit options are limited, consider living close to your workplace or negotiating flexible hours to avoid peak traffic.

Best neighborhoods for Chief Operating Officers in Kansas City: Downtown (Central business district with tech companies); Tech Park/Campus (Suburban office park developments). Downtown is particularly popular among Chief Operating Officer professionals due to proximity to major employers and urban amenities.

Tax Considerations in Missouri

Missouri has moderate state income taxes. When evaluating offers, consider total compensation including benefits, not just base salary. Local cost of living typically has more impact on your finances than state tax differences.

Career Outlook for Chief Operating Officers

The job outlook for Chief Operating Officers in Kansas City is stable. While not experiencing rapid growth, the field maintains steady demand with consistent opportunities for qualified professionals. Kansas City's growing economy creates new positions regularly, often with less competition than coastal tech hubs. In-demand skills include Operations Strategy, Team Leadership, Process Optimization, Financial Management.

Relocating to Kansas City

Kansas City's affordable cost of living means your Chief Operating Officer salary will stretch further than in major coastal cities. Many professionals relocate here for better quality of life.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Chief Operating Officer salary in Kansas City, MO?

The average Chief Operating Officer salary in Kansas City, MO is $259,350 per year. Entry-level Chief Operating Officers typically start around $131,495, while experienced professionals can earn $418,600 or more. The national average for Chief Operating Officer roles is $285,000.

How many Chief Operating Officer jobs are available in Kansas City?

Kansas City has a strong job market with regular openings for Chief Operating Officer professionals. Major employers hiring Chief Operating Officers include City of Kansas City, KCATA, Evergy, Sprint/T-Mobile. The Healthcare and Technology sectors drive much of the demand in this market.

Is Kansas City a good city for Chief Operating Officers?

Kansas City is an very good choice for Chief Operating Officers. As a major metro area, it offers abundant opportunities and competitive salaries. The affordable cost of living means salaries go further than in more expensive markets. The city's healthcare industry creates strong demand for executive & leadership professionals.

What skills are most in-demand for Chief Operating Officers in Kansas City?

Top skills for Chief Operating Officers in Kansas City include Operations Strategy, Team Leadership, Process Optimization, Financial Management, Strategic Planning. Employers value both technical expertise and soft skills like communication and teamwork.

What is the cost of living for Chief Operating Officers in Kansas City?

Kansas City's cost of living is near the national average (91% of baseline). Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,200/month. Purchasing power in Kansas City is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

How is the commute for Chief Operating Officers in Kansas City?

Kansas City Limited public transit options; car recommended for most commutes. The average commute is 25 minutes. Research employer-specific shuttle services.

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