Marketing Manager in Overland Park, KS

The Salary Picture: Where Overland Park Stands

As someone who’s watched the Kansas City metro job market evolve over the last two decades, I can tell you that Overland Park’s marketing scene is robust, data-driven, and increasingly tied to the region’s healthcare and tech sectors. The salary data reflects a market that rewards experience and specialization, especially in digital marketing and brand management for B2B companies.

First, let’s ground this in the numbers you provided. The median salary for a Marketing Manager in Overland Park is $154,451/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $74.26. This is slightly below the national average of $157,620/year, but it’s crucial to factor in the cost of living. With a Cost of Living Index of 93.3 (where the U.S. average is 100), your paycheck stretches further here than in most coastal cities. The metro has 394 jobs for this role, and the 10-year job growth is projected at 8%, indicating steady demand.

Here’s a realistic breakdown by experience level. These figures are synthesized from local job postings, BLS data for the Kansas City metro, and conversations with hiring managers in the area.

Experience Level	Typical Years	Overland Park Salary Range	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level Manager	1-3 years	$95,000 - $115,000	Campaign execution, social media management, basic analytics, supporting senior staff. Often found in smaller agencies or as the first marketing hire at a local firm.
Mid-Level Manager	4-7 years	$120,000 - $145,000	Leading campaigns, managing a small team or budget ($50k-$250k), multi-channel strategy, vendor management. This is the most common bracket for established local companies.
Senior Manager	8-12 years	$145,000 - $175,000	Departmental leadership, significant P&L responsibility, advanced analytics (e.g., marketing mix modeling), cross-functional project leadership. Common at large employers like Garmin or regional healthcare systems.
Expert/Director	12+ years	$175,000 - $210,000+	Strategic oversight, executive reporting, managing multiple teams, shaping company-wide marketing strategy. Top earners often have niche expertise in healthcare marketing, fintech, or enterprise SaaS.

How Overland Park Compares to Other Kansas Cities:

• Wichita: Salaries trend 10-15% lower, closer to the national average for the Midwest. The market is smaller, dominated by aerospace (Spirit AeroSystems) and manufacturing.
• Topeka: State capital, government and non-profit jobs are more prevalent. Salaries are generally 10-20% below Overland Park, with a ceiling for private-sector marketing roles.
• Kansas City (MO side): The Kansas City metro is split. Salaries on the Missouri side can be slightly higher in downtown and the Northland, but the tax structure (MO has a state income tax, KS does not) and cost of living in prime KC neighborhoods often negate the difference. Overland Park offers a better work-life balance and more affordable family housing.

Insider Tip: The top 10% of earners in Overland Park (likely directors at Garmin, Shawnee Mission Health, or a successful local agency) can command $180,000+. To reach that level, you need a proven track record in ROI-driven marketing (e.g., marketing automation, lead generation) and often a graduate degree (MBA) or a specialized certification (e.g., Google Analytics 4, HubSpot Marketing Software).

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Earning a median salary of $154,451 is comfortable in Overland Park, but let’s do a realistic monthly budget. We’ll assume a single filer with no dependents for simplicity. (Note: This is an estimate; use a KS tax calculator for your exact situation.)

Annual Gross Income: $154,451
Estimated Deductions (Federal, KS State, FICA, 401k @ 6%): ~$38,500
Estimated Annual Take-Home Pay: ~$115,951
Monthly Take-Home Pay: ~$9,663

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

• Rent (1BR in a good area): $1,100 - $1,350 (The average 1BR rent of $839 is achievable in older parts of town, but modern apartments in safer, walkable areas cost more).
• Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet): $200 - $250
• Car Payment/Insurance: $600 - $800 (Overland Park is car-dependent; insurance is moderate).
• Groceries & Household: $600 - $700
• Health Insurance (if not fully covered): $300 - $500
• Discretionary (Dining, Entertainment, Gym): $1,000 - $1,500
• Savings/Investments: $2,000 - $2,500

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?
Absolutely. The median home price in Overland Park is around $375,000 - $425,000. With a $154,451 salary and a 20% down payment ($75k-$85k), your mortgage (including taxes and insurance) would be roughly $2,000 - $2,400 per month on a 30-year fixed loan at current rates. This is very manageable on a monthly take-home of ~$9,663. Many marketing managers in the area own single-family homes in the 3-4 bedroom range, often in the suburbs like Olathe or Lenexa for more space.

Insider Tip: The "sweet spot" for homebuyers here is often just north of 119th Street in Overland Park or in the adjacent, slightly more affordable cities of Lenexa and Shawnee. You get excellent schools, lower property taxes than in Johnson County proper, and a 15-20 minute commute to most major employers.

Where the Jobs Are: Overland Park's Major Employers

The job market for marketing managers here is surprisingly diverse, anchored by a mix of corporate HQs, healthcare, and a growing tech scene. The 394 jobs in the metro are concentrated in these sectors.

1. Garmin International: The city's largest tech employer (headquartered in Olathe, just south of OP). They hire marketing managers for consumer electronics (aviation, marine, fitness) and B2B (aviation solutions). They value technical aptitude and global campaign experience. Hiring is steady but competitive.
2. Shawnee Mission Health (now part of AdventHealth): A major hospital system with a large marketing department focused on patient acquisition, physician relations, and community events. Demand is high for managers with healthcare marketing experience (HIPAA-compliant digital strategies, community outreach).
3. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas (BCBSKS): Headquartered in Topeka but has a significant marketing presence in the KC metro. They need managers for member engagement, public health campaigns, and digital transformation projects.
4. Burns & McDonnell: An employee-owned engineering, architecture, and construction firm. Their marketing team is large and focuses on B2B relationship marketing, proposal development, and brand management for major infrastructure projects. Excellent benefits and a strong culture.
5. Local & National Agencies: Agencies like The Loomis Agency (Kansas City-based but serves national clients) and Walton & Associates have offices in Overland Park. They offer faster-paced environments and experience across multiple industries. Turnover can be higher, but it's a great place to build a portfolio.
6. Higher Education: Johnson County Community College (JCCC) and University of Kansas (KU Med Center) have marketing roles focused on enrollment, alumni relations, and research promotion. These are stable, mission-driven roles with good work-life balance.
7. Financial Services: Companies like UMPQUA Bank (with a large regional office) and First National Bank of Omaha (KC operations) hire for marketing managers to drive retail banking, mortgage, and small business marketing.

Hiring Trends: There's a clear shift towards digital and data-driven roles. Employers are looking for marketers who can prove ROI through analytics (Google Analytics, Tableau) and manage integrated campaigns across SEO, PPC, and social media. The rise of remote work has also opened doors for marketing managers to work for companies based elsewhere but living in Overland Park.

Getting Licensed in KS

For a Marketing Manager, there is no state-specific occupational license required in Kansas or Missouri. This is a huge advantage—you can start applying immediately.

However, certain certifications are highly valued and can act as a de facto license for advancing your career:

1. Digital Marketing Certifications: Google Analytics (GA4), Google Ads, HubSpot Marketing Software, and Facebook Blueprint are almost expected for senior roles. Cost is generally $100-$300 per certification.
2. Professional Associations: Joining the American Marketing Association (AMA) Kansas City chapter is a must for networking. Membership is ~$200/year.
3. Project Management (PMP): For managers overseeing large campaigns and budgets, a PMP certification is a significant differentiator (exam cost ~$555 for members).
4. Graduate Degrees: While not required, an MBA from the University of Kansas (KU) or Kansas State University (both have strong local alumni networks) can accelerate your path to director-level roles. KU’s MBA program is ranked nationally and has a strong focus on analytics.

Timeline to Get Started: You can begin interviewing the day you decide to move. If you need to update your certifications, plan for 2-4 months of part-time study while job hunting. The local job market is active, so you can likely secure a position before relocating.

Insider Tip: The best local networking happens at AMA-KC events (often held at UMKC or in the Crossroads district) and at the annual Kansas City Digital Marketing Summit. Attending these before you move can lead to insider job tips.

Best Neighborhoods for Marketing Managers

Overland Park is a sprawling suburb, but neighborhoods have distinct personalities. Your choice depends on commute, lifestyle, and family needs.

1. Downtown Overland Park (75th & Metcalf Area):

   • Vibe: Urban-suburban mix, walkable, historic. Home to the Overland Park Farmers' Market and local shops.
   • Commute: 10-15 minutes to most employers in OP. Easy access to I-35.
   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $1,200 - $1,500
   • Best For: Young professionals, couples who want walkability without downtown KC chaos.

2. Stilwell / South Overland Park (159th & Quivira):

   • Vibe: Affluent, family-oriented, new construction. Top-rated schools (Blue Valley District).
   • Commute: 15-25 minutes to most employers. Can be traffic-heavy on 159th during rush hour.
   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $1,300 - $1,600 (in newer complexes)
   • Best For: Marketing managers with families or those who prioritize school quality and space.

3. Lenexa (Adjacent to OP, south of I-435):

   • Vibe: More affordable, growing fast. The "City of Lenexa" has a newer, planned downtown area (Lenexa City Center) with parks and trails.
   • Commute: 10-20 minutes to most employers. Very central location.
   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $1,000 - $1,300
   • Best For: Those seeking better value, newer amenities, and easy access to both KS and MO sides of the metro.

4. College Boulevard Corridor (Near KU Med Center):

   • Vibe: Corporate, convenient, close to retail (Oak Park Mall). Mix of older and newer apartments.
   • Commute: 10-15 minutes to most employers. Direct access to I-435 and I-35.
   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $1,150 - $1,400
   • Best For: Single professionals who want a central location with easy access to everything.

5. Prairie Village (Adjacent to OP, east of Mission Road):

   • Vibe: Established, charming, strong community feel. Older homes, walkable streets, great local restaurants.
   • Commute: 10-15 minutes to most employers in OP.
   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $1,100 - $1,400 (in older, well-maintained buildings)
   • Best For: Those who value character, walkability, and a tight-knit community over new construction.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 8% 10-year job growth is positive, but your trajectory depends on specialization.

• Specialty Premiums: Marketing managers with expertise in Healthcare Marketing (e.g., at Shawnee Mission Health) can command a 10-15% premium over the median. B2B Tech Marketing (e.g., at Garmin or a SaaS firm) also pays well. Generalist roles in retail or non-profit sectors tend to be at the lower end of the range.
• Advancement Paths: The logical path is Manager → Senior Manager → Marketing Director → VP of Marketing. The leap to VP often requires an MBA and experience managing budgets over $1M. Another path is Specialist to Manager (e.g., SEO Specialist → Digital Marketing Manager) or moving from an agency to an in-house corporate role for better stability and benefits.
• 10-Year Outlook: The local market will continue to grow, driven by the healthcare and tech sectors. However, the rise of AI and automation in marketing (for content generation, ad buying) means that managers who focus on strategy, human-centric branding, and data analysis will have the highest job security and earning potential. The ability to manage a hybrid team (in-office and remote) will also be a key skill.

The Verdict: Is Overland Park Right for You?

Pros	Cons
High Quality of Life: Safe, clean suburbs with excellent public schools (Blue Valley, Shawnee Mission).	Car-Dependent: A car is a necessity. Public transit (KC MetroBus) is limited.
Affordable Cost of Living: Your $154,451 salary goes much further than in major coastal cities.	Limited "Urban" Vibe: If you crave a dense, walkable city core, you'll be driving to downtown KC often.
Stable Job Market: Diverse employers in healthcare, tech, and engineering. 394 jobs is a solid number for a mid-sized metro.	Homogeneous Culture: Overland Park is predominantly suburban and family-oriented; it may feel less diverse or exciting for some.
Low Taxes: No state income tax on wages (KS taxes only retirement income). Low property taxes relative to many states.	Winters Can Be Harsh: While milder than the Midwest plains, you'll still deal with snow and ice from Nov-Mar.
Central Location: Easy drive to both coasts via I-70, and a quick flight from KCI (45 mins away).	Salary Ceiling: While comfortable, top-tier salaries for marketing may not reach the heights of Silicon Valley or NYC.

Final Recommendation:
Overland Park is an excellent choice for a Marketing Manager seeking stability, a high standard of living, and a clear path to homeownership. It's ideal for those with families or who value community and safety. If you're a high-ambition, single professional who thrives on the energy of a major coastal city, you might find it a bit subdued. However, the combination of a strong job market, affordable living on a median salary of $154,451, and the proximity to the cultural and culinary offerings of Kansas City (just 20 minutes away) makes it an unbeatable value proposition for most marketing professionals.

FAQs

Q: Is the job market for marketing managers competitive in Overland Park?
A: It's competitive but not cutthroat. With 394 jobs in the metro, there's steady demand, but you'll be competing with local talent and candidates from Kansas City. Having a niche (like healthcare or B2B tech) and strong digital skills makes you stand out. The key is to network locally.

Q: Do I need to live in Overland Park to work there?
A: Not at all. Many marketing managers live in neighboring cities like Lenexa, Shawnee, or even the Kansas City, MO suburbs (like Lee's Summit or Liberty) and commute. The commute is generally manageable, though traffic on I-435 and I-35 during rush hour can be slow.

Q: How important is knowing the local market?
A: Very important. Understanding the key local employers, the dominance of the healthcare sector, and the community culture is crucial for tailoring your resume and interview answers. Mentioning local institutions (like the Overland Park Farmers' Market) in casual conversation shows you're invested in the area.

Q: What's the work-life balance like?
A: Generally good. While some agencies and startups may have demanding hours, most corporate roles