Data Analyst in Overland Park, KS

The Salary Picture: Where Overland Park Stands

As a local who’s watched the data scene evolve here, I can tell you that Overland Park offers a compelling value proposition for data analysts. The median salary for a Data Analyst in the metro is $81,684/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $39.27/hour. This is slightly below the national average for Data Analysts, which sits at $83,360/year, but the lower cost of living more than compensates for this minor gap. The job market is robust, with 394 active jobs in the metro area and a healthy 10-year job growth projection of 36%, which is significantly higher than the national average for many professions.

To give you a clearer picture of the earning potential, here’s a breakdown based on experience levels. These figures are estimates based on local market data and industry surveys, reflecting the current demand in the Kansas City metro.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Experience Level	Typical Years	Estimated Salary Range
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$55,000 - $68,000
Mid-Level	3-5 years	$70,000 - $90,000
Senior-Level	6-9 years	$90,000 - $115,000
Expert/Lead	10+ years	$115,000 - $140,000+

When comparing to other Kansas cities, Overland Park is a top contender. It’s part of the larger Kansas City metropolitan area, which includes both the Kansas and Missouri sides. Salaries in the core of Kansas City, MO, are often slightly higher, but the commute and living costs can negate the difference. Wichita and Topeka have lower salary averages (typically in the $65,000 - $75,000 range for mid-level analysts) and fewer specialized data roles, making Overland Park the primary hub for tech and corporate analytics in the state.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get practical. If you earn the median salary of $81,684, your monthly take-home pay after taxes (estimating ~22% for federal, state, and FICA) is approximately $5,250. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Overland Park is $839/month. This leaves you with a comfortable $4,411 for other expenses, savings, and investments.

Here’s a sample monthly budget breakdown for a single Data Analyst earning the median salary:

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$5,250	After taxes (22% effective rate)
Rent (1BR Avg)	$839	Varies by neighborhood (see below)
Utilities	$150	Electricity, gas, water, internet
Groceries	$400	For one person, moderate spending
Transportation	$350	Car payment, gas, insurance, or public transit
Health Insurance	$250	Employer-sponsored plan (pre-tax)
Misc./Discretionary	$800	Dining, entertainment, hobbies, clothes
Savings/Investments	$2,461	After all essential expenses

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. With a $2,461 monthly surplus, a down payment is achievable within 2-3 years of disciplined saving. The median home price in Overland Park is around $350,000. A 20% down payment is $70,000. With your current surplus, you could save this in about 28 months. The local housing market is stable, and mortgage rates, while fluctuating, are generally competitive. Many analysts I know purchase homes in the $250,000 - $400,000 range within their first 5 years in the city.

Where the Jobs Are: Overland Park's Major Employers

Overland Park is not just a suburb; it's a corporate powerhouse. The data analyst role is embedded in industries from telecom to healthcare. Here are the key employers actively hiring:

1. T-Mobile (formerly Sprint HQ): This is the 800-pound gorilla. Their massive campus at 125th and Nall is a magnet for data professionals. They need analysts for customer analytics, network optimization, and marketing. Hiring is consistent for both entry-level and senior roles. Insider Tip: Networking events at the Overland Park Convention Center often feature T-Mobile recruiters.
2. UnitedLex: A global legal tech and data services firm headquartered right in Overland Park. They are a pure-play data employer, specializing in litigation support and contract analytics. They hire heavily for data analysts, data scientists, and business intelligence roles. This is a prime spot for those wanting to specialize in legal or compliance analytics.
3. Black & Veatch: A massive engineering and construction firm based in Overland Park. They have a huge need for data analysts to manage project data, supply chain logistics, and environmental impact assessments. The work is complex and project-based, offering great experience.
4. Children's Mercy Kansas City (Research Institute): While the main hospital is in Kansas City, MO, their research and administrative offices are a major employer in the metro. Health data analysts are in high demand for clinical trials, patient outcome studies, and hospital operations.
5. State Farm (Regional Operations Center): Located in nearby Lenexa, a short commute from Overland Park. State Farm's tech hub is a major source of data jobs, focusing on actuarial data, claims analytics, and customer segmentation.
6. Cerner (now Oracle Health): While its headquarters moved to Kansas City, MO, many employees live in Overland Park due to its family-friendly reputation. The demand for healthcare data analysts remains immense.
7. Garmin International: Headquartered in Olathe, just south of Overland Park. They are a leader in aviation and automotive data, needing analysts for GPS data, user behavior, and product development analytics.

Hiring Trends: There's a notable shift towards analysts who can bridge the gap between data and business strategy. Employers are looking for proficiency in SQL, Python, and visualization tools (Tableau, Power BI), but also for communication skills. Remote work is common post-pandemic, with many local companies offering hybrid models (2-3 days in the office).

Getting Licensed in KS

This is a key point for newcomers: Kansas does not require a state-specific license to practice as a Data Analyst. This is a significant advantage, removing a barrier to entry and cost.

• State-Specific Requirements: There are none. You are not legally required to be licensed by the state to call yourself a Data Analyst or to perform data analysis work.
• Costs: The costs are associated with education and certifications, not licensing. A relevant bachelor's degree is the standard entry requirement. Popular, respected certifications include the Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate (approx. $39/month on Coursera) or Microsoft Certified: Data Analyst Associate (exam fee $165). These are optional but highly recommended for career advancement.
• Timeline to Get Started: If you already have a degree and relevant skills, you can start applying immediately. For those seeking formal education, a bootcamp (3-6 months) or a master's degree (1-2 years) are the primary paths. The lack of a licensing board means you can pivot into this field relatively quickly if you have the right portfolio and skills.

Best Neighborhoods for Data Analysts

Where you live in Overland Park drastically affects your commute and lifestyle. The city is sprawling, so choosing the right area is key.

1. Downtown Overland Park (75th & Metcalf): The historic heart of the city. Walkable, charming, with great restaurants and coffee shops. It's a quick 10-minute drive to the T-Mobile campus or 15 minutes to 125th & Nall. The vibe is young professional and urban-suburban. Rent Estimate: $900 - $1,200/month for a 1BR.
2. South Overland Park (135th & Nall/Quivira): This is where a lot of the corporate offices are. It's more car-dependent but offers newer apartment complexes and quick access to major employers. Family-oriented but with plenty of young professionals. Rent Estimate: $850 - $1,000/month for a 1BR.
3. The Vineyards/Whitefield: A quieter, more residential area in the northeast part of the city. Great for those who want space and parks but still need a reasonable commute (15-20 minutes to most offices). It's more affordable and has a strong sense of community. Rent Estimate: $750 - $950/month for a 1BR.
4. Brookside (Adjacent to KC, MO): Technically in Kansas City, MO, but it's the closest "urban" neighborhood to Overland Park and a favorite for professionals who want walkability, older homes, and a vibrant street scene. A 15-minute commute to Overland Park offices. Rent Estimate: $1,000 - $1,400/month for a 1BR.
5. Lenexa (City Center): Just west of Overland Park, home to the State Farm hub and growing tech parks. It's slightly more affordable and has its own revitalized downtown. Rent Estimate: $750 - $950/month for a 1BR.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Overland Park is an excellent place for long-term career growth in data analytics.

• Specialty Premiums: Analysts with niche skills command higher salaries.
  • Healthcare Analytics: +10-15% premium (e.g., at Children's Mercy or Cerner). Skills in HIPAA compliance and clinical data are key.
  • Telecom Analytics: +10% premium (e.g., at T-Mobile). Understanding network data and customer churn models is valuable.
  • Supply Chain/Logistics: +5-10% premium (e.g., at Garmin or Black & Veatch). Expertise in SAP or other ERP systems is a plus.
• Advancement Paths: The typical path is Data Analyst -> Senior Analyst -> Analytics Manager/Lead -> Director of Analytics. Many companies here also have "Data Scientist" tracks for those leaning into machine learning and advanced statistics. The proximity to Kansas City's startup scene (in the Crossroads Arts District) offers opportunities to join smaller, high-growth companies.
• 10-Year Outlook: With 36% projected growth, the field is expanding. Overland Park's role as a corporate HQ hub means this growth is likely to be sustained. The trend is toward more specialized roles (e.g., "Marketing Data Analyst," "Financial Analyst") and less generic "analyst" positions. Continuous learning in cloud platforms (AWS, Azure) and advanced analytics will be crucial.

The Verdict: Is Overland Park Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Strong, growing job market with 394 local jobs and 36% growth.	Less "tech scene" buzz compared to Austin or Denver. It's more corporate than startup.
Excellent salary-to-cost-of-living ratio. Your $81,684 median goes much further here.	Car-dependent. Public transit is limited; you'll need a vehicle.
High quality of life: Safe, clean, great schools, and parks.	Can feel suburban. If you crave a dense, 24/7 urban core, Kansas City, MO (15-20 mins away) is a better fit.
Central location. Easy access to both sides of the KC metro, and a 3-hour flight to most of the US.	Limited diversity in some neighborhoods compared to major coastal cities.
No state licensing required, lowering barriers to entry.	Winters can be harsh. Snow and ice are annual realities.

Final Recommendation: Overland Park is an ideal choice for data analysts who value stability, financial comfort, and a high quality of life. It's perfect for those who want to build a career in a mature corporate environment, buy a home within a few years, and enjoy a safe, family-friendly city. It may not be the best fit for someone seeking a cutthroat, startup-centric culture or a dense urban environment. For the pragmatic analyst looking for a great career and a great life, Overland Park is a top-tier destination.

FAQs

Q: Do I need a car in Overland Park?
A: Yes. The city is designed around the automobile. While some neighborhoods like Downtown are walkable, you'll need a car to commute to most offices, do grocery shopping, and explore the wider metro. Public transit (KC Streetcar) is expanding but doesn't yet serve Overland Park effectively.

Q: How competitive is the job market for entry-level analysts?
A: It's competitive but not insurmountable. The 36% growth means there are new opportunities, but you'll need a solid portfolio with projects (e.g., on GitHub) and proficiency in SQL and a visualization tool. Tailoring your resume to local employers like T-Mobile or UnitedLex will help.

Q: What's the tech community like for networking?
A: It's more professional and corporate than social. The best ways to network are through LinkedIn (connect with alumni from your school who work here), attending local meetups (like Data Kansas City on Meetup.com), and participating in events at the Overland Park Convention Center. The tech scene is closely tied to the broader Kansas City metro area.

Q: Is the cost of living really 93.3? What does that mean for me?
A: Yes, that's the index from sources like BestPlaces or the Council for Community and Economic Research. It means Overland Park is 6.7% cheaper than the national average. Your biggest savings will be in housing and transportation. A $1,000 budget here buys more than in many other US cities.

Q: Which neighborhoods have the best school districts?
A: If schools are a factor, the Blue Valley School District (covering southern Overland Park) is consistently top-ranked in Kansas. The Olathe and Shawnee Mission districts are also excellent. This is a primary reason families flock to Overland Park, and it supports strong property values.