Kansas City vs Manhattan: Insurance Agent Salary (2026)
Compare insurance agent salaries between Kansas City, KS and Manhattan, KS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Kansas City, KS | Manhattan, KS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $68,196▲ | $60,865 |
| Hourly Rate | $32.79▲ | $29.27 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,553 | $39,927▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $49,101▲ | $46,724 |
| 75th Percentile | $87,290 | $141,497▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $105,703 | $147,785▲ |
| Total Employed | 25 | 140▲ |
Verdict
Kansas City and Manhattan are closely matched on overall insurance agent compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Kansas City and Manhattan is $7,331 (12.04%). Kansas City's median is +5.69% compared to the US national median of $64,522.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Kansas City spans $66,150,Manhattan spans $107,858. Manhattan has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced insurance agents.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Kansas City ($75,023 effective) pays 11.14% more than Manhattan ($67,506 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 ($68,196/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $75,023)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Choose Manhattan if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($147,785)
- ✓Larger job market (140 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, insurance agent salaries in Kansas City grew 22.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 42.0% growth in Manhattan over the same period.
Kansas City, KS
$53,588 (2024) → $65,826 (2025)
Manhattan, KS
$41,370 (2019) → $58,750 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Kansas City, KS
Manhattan, KS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays insurance agents more: Kansas City or Manhattan?
What is the hourly rate difference between Kansas City and Manhattan?
Should I relocate from Kansas City to Manhattan as a insurance agent?
What do entry-level insurance agents earn in Kansas City vs Manhattan?
Written by Jordan Lee, MBA
Career Analyst
Jordan has over 10 years of experience in the insurance industry. He specializes in property and casualty insurance. He has worked in both agency and corporate settings.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.60% 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 Jordan Lee, MBA, a licensed insurance agent with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov