Financial Analyst in Lee's Summit, MO

Here is a comprehensive career guide for Financial Analysts considering Lee's Summit, Missouri.

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The Salary Picture: Where Lee's Summit Stands

If you’re a Financial Analyst looking at Lee’s Summit, the first thing you’ll notice is that your paycheck will stretch further here than in most major metros, but the salaries themselves are slightly below the national average. The median salary for a Financial Analyst in the Lee’s Summit metro area is $97,019/year. At an hourly rate, that breaks down to $46.64/hour.

To put this in perspective, the national average for this role sits at $99,010/year. You’re looking at a difference of about $2,000 annually. For many, that gap is easily closed by the area's significantly lower cost of living.

When you break this down by experience level, you can see a clear progression. The following estimates are based on local market data and BLS trends for the Kansas City metro area, which Lee's Summit is a part of.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Notes
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$68,000 - $80,000	Typically requires a Bachelor's in Finance/Accounting.
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$97,019 (Median)	This is the core of the market; CFA or relevant experience is expected.
Senior Analyst (8-12 years)	$115,000 - $130,000	Often leads a team or handles complex portfolios.
Expert / Manager (13+ years)	$135,000+	Can include roles like VP of Finance or Director of FP&A.

How does this compare to other Missouri cities? Lee’s Summit holds a unique position. It’s slightly below the St. Louis metro average (which is closer to the national average) but sits well above smaller Missouri cities like Springfield or Columbia. The key driver here is proximity to Kansas City. Many Lee’s Summit residents commute to downtown KC for higher-paying finance roles, then return to a more suburban, affordable lifestyle. The 9% 10-year job growth projection for the metro area is also promising, indicating a healthy, expanding market for financial professionals.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A salary is just a number until you factor in real-life expenses. Let’s run the numbers for a Financial Analyst earning the median salary of $97,019/year in Lee’s Summit.

First, the take-home pay. For 2024, assuming a single filer with the standard deduction and including Missouri state taxes (which range from 2.5% to 4.75% based on income), a rough estimate of net monthly take-home pay is approximately $6,000 to $6,300. This can vary based on 401(k) contributions, health insurance premiums, and family status.

Now, let’s look at monthly expenses. The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Lee’s Summit is $886/month. The Cost of Living Index is 93.3 (US average = 100), meaning you spend about 6.7% less on everyday expenses than the national average.

Here’s a realistic monthly budget breakdown for a single person earning the median salary:

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$6,150	After taxes & standard deductions.
Rent (1BR)	$886	Average for Lee's Summit.
Utilities	$180	Includes electricity, gas, water, internet.
Groceries	$450	Lower than national average.
Car Payment/Insurance	$600	Essential, as public transit is limited.
Gas / Fuel	$200	Moderate commute factored in.
Eating Out / Entertainment	$500	Social life in KC or local suburbs.
Health Insurance / Co-pays	$350	Varies by employer.
Student Loans / Other Debt	$300	Placeholder for common debt.
Savings / Investments	$2,684	Over 40% of take-home pay can be saved.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. With a potential $2,684 in monthly savings, a down payment for a home is very achievable. The median home price in Lee's Summit hovers around $350,000. A 20% down payment ($70,000) could be saved in under 3 years with this aggressive budget. Monthly mortgage payments (including taxes and insurance) would likely be higher than rent but still within reason, often around $2,000 - $2,400/month for a starter home, which is manageable on a $97,019 salary.

Where the Jobs Are: Lee's Summit's Major Employers

Lee’s Summit is a strong suburban job hub. While many financial analysts work in downtown Kansas City, there are significant local employers and corporate campuses within the city limits and immediate vicinity. Here are key employers to target:

1. Cerner (Oracle Health): The massive campus in the north part of Lee’s Summit (near I-470 and 150 Highway) is a huge employer. They hire financial analysts for corporate finance, budgeting, and operational analysis. Hiring trends have stabilized post-acquisition, but they still have steady needs in financial operations.
2. Saint Luke's Health System: With a major hospital (Saint Luke's East) in Lee’s Summit, the health system has a large financial operations team. Roles here focus on revenue cycle analysis, medical cost forecasting, and departmental budgeting. This is a stable, growing sector.
3. Commerce Bank: Headquartered in nearby Kansas City, MO, Commerce has a significant presence in Lee’s Summit with multiple branches and offices. They hire analysts for commercial lending, risk management, and branch-level financial planning.
4. Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City: While the main office is in downtown KC, the Fed’s operations and research have a regional impact. They occasionally hire analysts for economic research and financial stability roles, which can attract commuters from Lee’s Summit.
5. Burns & McDonnell: An employee-owned engineering, architecture, and construction firm headquartered in KC, they have projects throughout the metro. Their finance department hires analysts with experience in project cost accounting and capital budgeting.
6. Local Credit Unions (e.g., MainStreet Credit Union): Lee’s Summit is home to several large credit unions. These are excellent places for entry to mid-level analysts to get hands-on experience with member lending, portfolio analysis, and financial planning for individuals.

Insider Tip: The biggest concentration of high-paying analyst roles (especially in corporate finance and investment banking) is in downtown Kansas City, specifically the Power & Light District and Crossroads. The commute from Lee's Summit is straightforward via I-70 or US-69. It's about a 25-35 minute drive in normal traffic, making it a very feasible commute for a significant salary bump.

Getting Licensed in MO

For most Financial Analyst roles (corporate finance, budgeting, FP&A), you do not need a state-issued license. However, if you plan to advance into roles involving securities (investment advisory, portfolio management, equity research), you will need specific licenses.

The primary regulator in Missouri is the Missouri Secretary of State, Securities Division. For securities professionals, the key licenses are the Series 7 (General Securities Representative) and Series 66 (Uniform Combined State Law Examination), sponsored by a FINRA-member firm.

Cost and Timeline:

• Examination Fees: The Series 7 costs approximately $80, and the Series 66 costs about $80. Most employers cover these costs.
• Study Time: Expect to spend 100-150 hours studying for the Series 7 and 40-60 hours for the Series 66.
• Process: You must be employed by a sponsoring firm to take the exams. The firm will file the necessary paperwork with both FINRA and the Missouri Securities Division. Once you pass, your firm will help you register with the state. The entire process, from hiring to being fully licensed, typically takes 3-6 months.

For non-securities roles, a CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) or CPA (Certified Public Accountant) certification is highly valued and often more beneficial than a state license. The CPA exam is administered by the Missouri State Board of Accountancy.

Best Neighborhoods for Financial Analysts

Choosing where to live in Lee's Summit depends on your commute, lifestyle, and budget.

1. Downtown Lee's Summit:

   • Commute: 5 mins to local jobs, 25 mins to KC. Easy access to I-70.
   • Lifestyle: Historic charm, walkable to restaurants and shops, strong community feel. You'll see young professionals and families here.
   • Rent Estimate: $950 - $1,200/month for a 1BR.
   • Insider Tip: The Farmers Market on Saturdays is a major local hub. It’s a great place to network informally.

2. South Lee's Summit / Longview:

   • Commute: 10-15 mins to local jobs, 30 mins to KC. Closer to Saint Luke's East Hospital.
   • Lifestyle: More suburban, newer construction, excellent public schools (Lee's Summit R-7 School District is highly rated). Popular with families.
   • Rent Estimate: $850 - $1,100/month for a 1BR.
   • Insider Tip: This area has many apartment complexes with amenities, which is attractive for early-career professionals.

3. The Vineyards / Stonegate:

   • Commute: 10 mins to local jobs, 25 mins to KC.
   • Lifestyle: Upscale, quiet, and very safe. Features single-family homes and townhomes. Less nightlife, more tranquility.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,000 - $1,400/month for a 1BR.
   • Insider Tip: A short drive to the popular Longview Lake and the Longview Shopping Center.

4. Lees Summit West (near I-470 & 150 Highway):

   • Commute: 5-10 mins to Cerner campus, 20 mins to KC.
   • Lifestyle: Convenient, modern, and connected. Close to major highways and the Lee's Summit Municipal Airport. Mix of apartments, condos, and single-family homes.
   • Rent Estimate: $900 - $1,250/month for a 1BR.
   • Insider Tip: This is the most strategic location if you land a job at Cerner or a company in the northern part of the metro.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The career path for a Financial Analyst in Lee's Summit is strong, especially if you leverage the greater Kansas City metro area.

Specialty Premiums:

• Data Analytics & Visualization: Analysts proficient in SQL, Python, and Tableau/Power BI are in high demand and can command a 10-15% salary premium. This is true across all sectors, from healthcare to engineering.
• CFA Charter: In investment roles (like at the Federal Reserve or a downtown KC investment fund), the CFA charter is the gold standard and can significantly accelerate your career and earnings.
• Healthcare Finance: With a major hospital system in Lee's Summit, specializing in healthcare revenue cycle or cost accounting provides a stable, recession-resistant career path.

Advancement Paths:

1. Corporate Track: Financial Analyst -> Senior Analyst -> Finance Manager -> Director of Finance -> VP of Finance. Local companies like Cerner and Saint Luke's offer clear pathways here.
2. Investment Track: Analyst -> Senior Analyst -> Portfolio Manager. This path typically requires moving to a firm in downtown Kansas City but offers the highest earning potential.
3. Consulting: Move to a consulting firm (like in KC) after 5-7 years of industry experience. This can involve more travel but higher pay and diverse experience.

10-Year Outlook (9% Growth):
The 9% job growth is well above the national average for finance roles, driven by the Kansas City metro's economic expansion. Lee's Summit will benefit as companies seek suburban campuses with quality of life for employees. The rise of fintech and data-driven analytics will create new roles, making continuous skill development critical.

The Verdict: Is Lee's Summit Right for You?

Here is a final breakdown of the pros and cons to help you decide.

Pros	Cons
Lower Cost of Living: Your salary goes further; home ownership is very attainable.	Lower Average Salary: Slightly below the national average.
Strong Job Market: 9% growth and proximity to KC's finance hub.	Limited Urban Nightlife: It's a suburb; for vibrant nightlife, you'll go to KC.
Excellent Quality of Life: Top-rated schools, safe communities, and short commutes.	Car-Dependent: You absolutely need a car; public transit is not robust.
Stable Major Employers: Healthcare, tech, and engineering provide recession-resistant jobs.	Competition from KC: Some high-level roles may require a downtown commute.
Outdoor Access: Plenty of parks, lakes, and trails for the work-life balance.	Less Diverse Food/Scene: KC has more options; Lee's Summit is improving but still catching up.

Final Recommendation:
Lee's Summit is an excellent choice for Financial Analysts at the mid-career stage and for those prioritizing financial health and quality of life over being in the heart of a major city. It's particularly ideal if you land a job at a local employer like Cerner or Saint Luke's. If your primary goal is to work at a global investment bank, you'll likely be based in downtown KC, but you could still live in Lee's Summit and enjoy the benefits. For the median salary of $97,019, this city offers one of the best balances of opportunity, affordability, and lifestyle in the Midwest.

FAQs

Q: Is it worth commuting from Lee's Summit to downtown Kansas City for a higher salary?
A: Yes. The commute is a straightforward 25-35 minutes, and the salary increase for downtown KC roles can be $10,000-$20,000+ more than local Lee's Summit salaries, easily covering the cost of your commute while building savings faster.

Q: What's the best way to network with other financial professionals in the area?
A: Join local chapters of professional organizations like the CFA Society Kansas City or the Association for Financial Professionals (AFP) Kansas City. Attend events in downtown KC, but also look for local business groups on LinkedIn specific to Lee's Summit.

Q: Are there opportunities for remote work?
A: Yes, the trend is strong. Many KC-based companies have adopted hybrid models. Post-pandemic, having the option to work from home 2-3 days a week is common, which makes the Lee's Summit location even more attractive.

Q: I'm a recent graduate. Is Lee's Summit a good place to start my career?
A: It can be. The lower cost of living allows for a less stressful financial start. Scour local employers (credit unions, Saint Luke's) for entry-level roles, but also apply to positions in downtown KC. You might get your start in the city but find a great apartment in Lee's Summit.

Q: How competitive is the job market with just 208 jobs in the metro?
A: The 208 figure likely represents a snapshot of active postings. It doesn't account for the full employed population or the Kansas City metro's pull. The key is that Lee's Summit is part of a larger, thriving metro area of over 2 million people. Your job search should encompass the entire Kansas City region to maximize opportunities.