The Complete Career Guide for Financial Analysts in Overland Park, KS

As a career analyst who’s watched the financial landscape in the Kansas City metro evolve for over a decade, I can tell you that Overland Park offers a unique blend of value and opportunity. It’s not the flashiest market, but for a Financial Analyst, it’s a place where your salary stretches further than in most major metros, while still providing a robust job market. This guide breaks down the real numbers, the local players, and the lifestyle you can actually afford.

The Salary Picture: Where Overland Park Stands

Let's get straight to the data. The median salary for a Financial Analyst in Overland Park is $97,019/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $46.64/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $99,010/year, but the story is in the context. The Kansas City metro area, which includes Overland Park, has a significant financial services footprint, with 394 jobs in the metro and a 10-year job growth projection of 9%. This growth is stable, driven by the region's steady corporate expansion and the presence of major insurance and financial institutions.

To understand where you fit, here’s an experience-level breakdown based on regional data and employer surveys:

Experience Level	Typical Years of Experience	Average Base Salary Range (Overland Park)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level	0-2	$65,000 - $80,000	Financial modeling, data gathering, report generation, supporting senior analysts.
Mid-Career	3-7	$85,000 - $115,000	Leading projects, complex modeling, variance analysis, presenting findings to management.
Senior	8-15	$110,000 - $145,000	Strategic planning, mentoring junior staff, cross-functional collaboration, high-level forecasting.
Expert/Manager	15+	$140,000 - $180,000+	Department leadership, setting financial strategy, M&A analysis, executive presentations.

Compared to other Kansas cities, Overland Park is a clear winner for Financial Analysts. Here’s a quick comparison with two other major Kansas metros:

City	Median Salary (Est.)	Cost of Living Index	Key Industry
Overland Park, KS	$97,019	93.3	Corporate Finance, Insurance, Tech
Wichita, KS	~$85,000	88.9	Aerospace, Manufacturing
Topeka, KS	~$82,000	86.5	Government, State Agencies

While Wichita has a lower cost of living, its financial analyst salaries are typically lower, and the job market is more specialized. Overland Park provides the best balance of salary and opportunity in the state.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A $97,019 salary sounds solid, but let’s see what it means for your monthly budget in Overland Park. Using a simplified tax estimate (assuming single filer, no dependents, standard deduction) and local averages, here’s a breakdown.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Financial Analyst, $97,019/year)

Item	Estimated Amount	Notes
Gross Monthly Pay	$8,085	$97,019 / 12
Estimated Take-Home (After Taxes)	~$6,200	This includes federal, state (4.95% KS), and FICA.
Average 1BR Rent	$839/month	This is the city-wide average. See neighborhoods below for specifics.
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet)	$180 - $250	Varies by season and usage.
Groceries	$400 - $500	Single person, moderate spending.
Transportation (Car Payment, Gas, Insurance)	$400 - $600	Most residents rely on cars; public transit is limited.
Health Insurance	$200 - $400	Employer-sponsored plans vary.
Discretionary Spending (Entertainment, Dining, Savings)	~$1,200+	Includes a healthy 15-20% savings rate.

Insider Tip: The biggest variable is your rent. The city-wide average of $839 is heavily influenced by older, more affordable apartment complexes. If you want a modern 1BR in a prime neighborhood, expect to pay closer to $1,100 - $1,400. However, your discretionary budget is still healthy.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. With a take-home pay of ~$6,200 and a mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) for a median-priced home ($375,000) around $2,200 - $2,400, you're looking at a mortgage-to-income ratio well within the recommended 28%. This is one of the biggest advantages of Overland Park for mid-career professionals.

Where the Jobs Are: Overland Park's Major Employers

The job market for Financial Analysts here is dominated by large, stable corporations, particularly in the insurance and financial services sectors. Here are the key players:

1. TerraCycle (Global Headquarters): While known for recycling, its corporate HQ in Overland Park has a growing finance department focused on global operations and sustainability metrics. They hire analysts with experience in non-traditional, ESG-focused finance.
2. Assurant (Kansas City Operations Center): A major employer in the area, Assurant processes a huge volume of financial data. They frequently hire Financial Analysts for roles in risk assessment, premium forecasting, and operational finance. Hiring is steady, with a focus on candidates with strong data manipulation skills (SQL, Excel VBA).
3. American Family Insurance (Major Regional Office): Their Overland Park office is a key hub for the Midwest. They hire for actuarial-adjacent financial roles, investment analysis, and corporate finance. The culture is traditional, stable, and offers clear career paths.
4. Sprint (now T-Mobile) Headquarters Legacy: While T-Mobile's HQ moved to Bellevue, a significant finance and operations hub remains in the Overland Park area. The ongoing integration and network investments create a need for analysts who can handle large-scale capital expenditure (CapEx) forecasting.
5. Cerner Corporation (Oracle Health): Now part of Oracle, this massive healthcare IT company has a significant presence. Financial analysts here support project-based accounting, R&D investment analysis, and sales forecasting. It's a tech-forward environment compared to traditional insurance.
6. Commerce Bank: A major regional bank headquartered in the Kansas City metro. Their corporate finance and treasury departments are based locally, offering roles in financial planning & analysis (FP&A), treasury management, and investment analysis.
7. State Government & Higher Ed: Don't overlook the State of Kansas or local institutions like the University of Kansas Medical Center (in nearby Kansas City, KS). These offer stable public-sector analyst roles, often with excellent benefits and work-life balance, though salaries trend lower than corporate.

Hiring Trend Insight: The trend is toward analysts who are "business partners." It's not enough to be a spreadsheet wizard; employers want analysts who can sit with a marketing or operations team, understand their goals, and build a financial model to guide their decisions. Proficiency in data visualization tools like Tableau or Power BI is becoming a standard expectation.

Getting Licensed in KS

For most corporate Financial Analyst roles, you do not need a state-specific license. The field is regulated by certifications rather than state licenses. The key exceptions are if you move into a securities-licensed role (e.g., selling investments) or a public accounting track.

• Securities Licenses (FINRA): If your job involves recommending or selling securities, you'll need a license (e.g., Series 7, 63). These are administered by FINRA, not the state, but you must be sponsored by a registered firm. Costs for exams range from $80 to $300 per exam, and study materials can cost $500-$1,000. The timeline is a few months of study and sponsorship.
• CPA (Certified Public Accountant): For analysts in accounting-heavy roles, a CPA is valuable. In Kansas, you must apply to the Kansas State Board of Accountancy. Requirements include 150 semester hours of education, passing the Uniform CPA Exam, and one year of experience under a licensed CPA. The exam fees are ~$1,000 total, and the license application is ~$150. The timeline is typically 1-2 years after graduation.
• CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst): This is the gold standard for investment analysis and portfolio management. It is a global credential, not state-specific. It requires passing three levels of exams over several years and relevant work experience. It's a long-term career investment.

Insider Tip: For most corporate financial analyst roles in Overland Park, prioritize CFA Level I or FP&A certifications (like the CMA) over CPA or securities licenses, unless the specific job description requires them.

Best Neighborhoods for Financial Analysts

Overland Park is a sprawling suburb, and your neighborhood choice will define your commute, lifestyle, and rent. Here are five top picks for Financial Analysts.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Typical 1BR Rent	Why It's a Good Fit
Downtown Overland Park	Walkable, urban feel in the suburbs. 10-15 min drive to most employers.	$1,100 - $1,400	For those who want a "main street" feel with cafes, shops, and events. Easy commute.
College Boulevard Corridor	Corporate, modern, and convenient. 5-20 min drives to major employers like Assurant, TerraCycle.	$1,200 - $1,600	Prime location for professionals. Newer apartment complexes, direct access to I-435.
Brookridge	Quiet, established, residential. 15-25 min commute.	$900 - $1,200	Older homes and apartments, great value. Close to Shawnee Mission Park for outdoor access.
St. Andrews Area	Family-oriented, safe, with top-rated schools. 15-30 min commute.	$950 - $1,300	Ideal if you're planning for a family or value a quiet, community-focused environment.
Lenexa (City Center)	Growing, with a new "urban core" development. 15-25 min commute to OP employers.	$1,050 - $1,450	Offers a newer, planned community feel with parks and trails, slightly outside the Overland Park border but a major part of the metro.

Commute Reality: Traffic on I-435 and Highway 69 can be heavy during rush hour (7-8:30 AM, 5-6:30 PM). A 10-mile commute can take 25 minutes. Living near your job cluster can save you significant time.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 10-year job growth of 9% indicates a healthy, expanding market. To maximize your earnings and advancement, consider these specialty premiums:

• FP&A (Financial Planning & Analysis): The most common path. Premium for senior FP&A managers who can build complex models and present to executives.
• Risk Management & Insurance: With Assurant and AmFam here, analysts with actuarial science backgrounds or risk modeling experience can command a premium, often 10-20% above the median.
• Tech/Healthcare (Oracle Health, TerraCycle): Analysts who understand SaaS business models, R&D capitalization, or ESG reporting are in demand and can earn near the top of the range.
• Corporate Treasury: A niche but lucrative path. Managing cash flow, investments, and debt for large corporations can lead to director-level roles with salaries exceeding $160,000.

10-Year Outlook: The growth will be steady, not explosive. The most successful analysts will be those who blend financial acumen with industry-specific knowledge (e.g., insurance, healthcare IT) and strong soft skills. The rise of remote work means you may also be able to work for a Kansas City-based firm while living in a lower-cost area, but local candidates often have an edge in relationship-based roles.

The Verdict: Is Overland Park Right for You?

Here’s a summarized pros and cons table to help you decide.

Pros	Cons
Excellent Cost of Living: Your $97,019 salary goes far. Housing is affordable.	Limited "Wall Street" Vibe: The finance scene is corporate, not entrepreneurial. Few startups.
Stable, Major Employers: Jobs at large, established companies offer security and clear paths.	Car-Dependent City: Public transit is minimal; you will need a car for almost everything.
Strong Job Growth (9%): A reliable market for the next decade.	Weather: Hot, humid summers and cold, icy winters can be a shock.
Family-Friendly & Safe: Top schools, parks, and low crime rates in most neighborhoods.	Cultural Scene is Suburban: While KC has great arts/sports, Overland Park itself is more family-oriented.
Strategic Location: Easy drive to downtown KC for pro sports, concerts, and nightlife.	Salary Slightly Below National: You trade a small salary premium for a much lower cost of living.

Final Recommendation: Overland Park is an ideal choice for Financial Analysts who value stability, affordability, and work-life balance. It's perfect for mid-career professionals looking to buy a home and build a family, or for those who want a strong foundation without the high-pressure environment of a financial center. If you're seeking a dynamic, fast-paced startup scene or the highest possible salary cap, you might look to coastal cities. But for a data-driven, practical career move, Overland Park delivers substantial value.

FAQs

1. Do I need to know someone to get a job in Overland Park?
While not mandatory, networking is highly effective. The local finance community is tight-knit. Join the Kansas City CFA Society or attend events hosted by the Midwest Energy Association (for utility-focused roles). LinkedIn outreach to alumni from your school who work at Assurant or Cerner is a smart move.

2. How is the work-life balance?
Generally good. Most corporate roles are standard 9-5. The suburban setting means shorter commutes for many, and the overall culture prioritizes family time. However, during month-end, quarter-end, or budgeting season, long hours (50-60 hours/week) are common, similar to any major market.

3. What's the biggest challenge for a new Financial Analyst here?
Adapting to the corporate culture. The pace can be methodical compared to New York or Chicago. Success comes from building deep relationships with business unit leaders and proving your value through steady, reliable analysis—not from flashy, high-risk modeling.

4. Can I live in Kansas City, MO and commute to Overland Park?
Yes, many do. Areas like Brookside, Waldo, or the Country Club Plaza in KCMO offer a more urban feel. However, you'll face state income tax differences (MO has a bracketed system, KS is a flat 4.95%). Your commute will involve crossing the state line, which can add 15-30 minutes in traffic. Weigh the lifestyle benefit against the commute time and tax implication.

5. How important is a Master's degree?
For entry-level, a bachelor's in Finance, Accounting, or Economics is sufficient. For advancement to senior roles, an MBA from a reputable program (like the University of Kansas or the University of Missouri-Kansas City) can be a significant differentiator and salary booster, especially for leadership tracks. However, many successful analysts climb the ladder with a bachelor's and professional certifications (CFA, CMA).