The Complete Career Guide for Project Managers in Lee's Summit, MO

Lee's Summit isn't just another Kansas City suburb—it's a self-contained economic engine with a distinct identity. For Project Managers (PMs), this city offers a unique blend of suburban affordability, proximity to major metropolitan opportunities, and a robust local job market. This guide cuts through the promotional fluff to give you the data-driven insights you need to make an informed decision.

The Salary Picture: Where Lee's Summit Stands

Project Management is a field where experience and specialization directly translate to earning power. In the Lee's Summit metro area, salaries are competitive, especially when you factor in the local cost of living.

Median Salary: $99,244/year
Hourly Rate: $47.71/hour
National Average: $101,280/year

The median salary sits just below the national average, which is a strong indicator of the region's value. You're earning nearly the same as the national average but in a market where your money goes further. The metro area supports 208 Project Manager jobs, with a 10-Year Job Growth projection of 6%. While not explosive, this steady growth indicates a stable, mature market with consistent demand.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Salaries in Lee's Summit follow a predictable progression, though your specific industry (e.g., healthcare vs. construction) will cause variation.

Experience Level	Typical Years	Lee's Summit Median Salary	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$65,000 - $72,000/year	Supporting project coordinators, documenting meeting notes, managing small-scale tasks, learning PM software.
Mid-Level	3-7 years	$85,000 - $105,000/year	Leading a small team, managing budgets under $250k, client-facing communication, risk mitigation for defined projects.
Senior-Level	8-12 years	$115,000 - $135,000/year	Program management (multiple projects), strategic planning, budget authority, stakeholder and executive management.
Expert/Lead	13+ years	$140,000+	Departmental leadership, setting PMO standards, managing multi-million dollar portfolios, mentoring senior staff.

Comparison to Other Missouri Cities

Lee's Summit holds a unique position within the state. It's more affordable than St. Louis or the Kansas City core, while offering salaries that are comparable to the state's major hubs.

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index (US Avg = 100)	Key Industries for PMs
Lee's Summit	$99,244	93.3	Healthcare, Finance, Tech, Logistics
Kansas City, MO	$103,200	90.1	Tech, Agribusiness, Logistics, Aviation
St. Louis, MO	$101,500	88.5	Biotech, Finance, Manufacturing
Springfield, MO	$88,500	83.2	Healthcare, Education, Manufacturing

Source for national/state context: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The median salary of $99,244 sounds solid, but the real question is what your monthly budget looks like. Let's break it down for a single filer using 2024 tax brackets and local costs.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for a Project Manager Earning $99,244

Category	Monthly Cost	Notes
Gross Monthly Income	$8,270
Federal Taxes	- $1,450	Estimated, including standard deduction.
FICA (7.65%)	- $633	Social Security & Medicare.
MO State Tax	- $380	Missouri has a progressive income tax (currently 4.8% for this bracket).
Health Insurance	- $450	Employer-sponsored plan (avg. employee share).
Retirement (401k @ 6%)	- $496	Pre-tax contribution.
Net Take-Home Pay	$4,861

Housing & Living Costs

Expense	Average Cost	Notes
1BR Rent (City Average)	$886/month	More affordable than national avg. (~$1,500).
Utilities	$180	Combined electricity, gas, water, internet.
Groceries	$350	For one person.
Transportation	$350	Car payment, insurance, gas (KC metro is car-dependent).
Discretionary	$1,000	Dining out, entertainment, savings, etc.
Total Estimated Expenses	$2,766
Monthly Surplus	$2,095

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. With a monthly surplus of over $2,000, a PM in Lee's Summit is in a strong position to save for a down payment. The median home price in Lee's Summit is approximately $325,000. With a 20% down payment ($65,000), a 30-year mortgage at 6.5% would cost around $1,650/month (including taxes and insurance). This is well within the budget of our hypothetical PM, leaving a healthy buffer for savings and emergencies.

Insider Tip: Don't underestimate property taxes. In Jackson County (where Lee's Summit is located), the effective tax rate is about 1.3% of the assessed value. On a $325,000 home, that's roughly $4,225/year or $352/month baked into your mortgage payment.

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

The Lee's Summit job market is a mix of local powerhouses and satellite offices of Kansas City-based firms. Networking here is key, as many jobs are filled through referrals before hitting job boards.

1. St. Luke's Health System: A massive regional employer with its Lee's Summit Medical Center. PMs are needed for IT systems implementations (EMR), construction of new facilities, and process improvement in patient workflows. Hiring is continuous due to expansion. Insider Tip: St. Luke's has a strong internal promotion culture. Start in a coordinator role and work your way up.

2. Commerce Bank: Headquartered in Kansas City, Commerce has a significant operational center in Lee's Summit. PMs here manage projects for digital banking upgrades, branch renovations, and compliance initiatives. The pace is corporate but steady.

3. Carondelet Health Network: Another major healthcare provider with a large presence. Similar to St. Luke's, PMs are crucial for clinical and facility projects. They often seek PMs with PMP certification.

4. Cerner Corporation (now Oracle Health): While Cerner's headquarters is in Kansas City, many of its project teams operate out of or are based in the Lee's Summit area due to the talent pool. PMs here work on large-scale healthcare IT implementations for clients nationwide. It's a fast-paced, demanding environment that looks great on a resume.

5. Lee's Summit R-7 School District: A large, well-funded school district. PMs are needed for capital improvement projects (new schools, tech upgrades), curriculum implementation projects, and operational initiatives. The work-life balance is reportedly excellent here.

6. Ameren Missouri: While based in St. Louis, Ameren has a significant operational footprint in the Kansas City metro, including Lee's Summit. PMs work on infrastructure projects, grid modernization, and regulatory compliance.

7. Fortinet: A global cybersecurity leader with a major office in nearby Lenexa, KS, but a prime destination for Lee's Summit residents. PMs here manage complex software development and product launches. Hiring Trend: Cybersecurity is a growth area, and project management roles are in high demand.

Getting Licensed in MO

Missouri does not have a state-issued "Project Manager License" like it does for engineers or architects. However, professional certification is the industry standard and often required for competitive roles.

• Key Certification: The Project Management Professional (PMP) from the Project Management Institute (PMI) is the gold standard.
• Requirements: You need 36 months of leading projects with a bachelor's degree (or 60 months without) and 35 hours of project management education.
• Cost: The exam fee is $405 for PMI members, $555 for non-members. Study courses (online or in-person) range from $300 to $1,500.
• Timeline: From starting a course to earning your PMP takes most people 3-6 months. There is no state board—you apply directly to PMI.
• State-Specific Nuance: For public works or construction projects, a Certified Construction Manager (CCM) or a Professional Engineer (PE) license may be more valuable. For IT projects, certifications like Scrum Master (CSM) or AgilePM are highly sought after.

Insider Tip: The Kansas City PMI Chapter (which covers Lee's Summit) is very active. Join it for networking, study groups, and local job leads. They host monthly meetings and have a strong mentorship program.

Best Neighborhoods for Project Managers

Choosing where to live in Lee's Summit depends on your commute, lifestyle, and budget. The city is divided into distinct areas, each with a different feel.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	1BR Rent Estimate	Best For PMs Who...
Downtown Lee's Summit	Walkable, historic, with cafes and local shops. Easy commute to I-470 for jobs in KC or local employers.	$950 - $1,300/month	Want a vibrant, small-town feel with urban amenities. Shorter commutes to St. Luke's and downtown offices.
The Vineyard / Lakewood	Quiet, family-oriented, with larger homes and parks. 15-20 minute drive to major employers.	$1,000 - $1,400/month	Prioritize quiet, suburban life with good schools. Ideal for those working remote or with hybrid schedules.
East Side (near I-70)	More affordable, with newer apartment complexes. Direct access to I-70 for commutes to Kansas City or Columbia.	$800 - $1,100/month	Budget-conscious professionals with a longer commute to Kansas City proper. Great for accessing the airport.
South Lee's Summit (near MO-150)	Near the interstate, with a mix of established and new developments. Close to shopping centers.	$850 - $1,200/month	Value being near amenities and restaurants. A good middle-ground for commute times to most local employers.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Lee's Summit is an excellent place to establish a career, but advancement beyond the senior level may require looking toward the Kansas City core or specializing.

• Specialty Premiums:
  • IT/Software PM: Can expect a 10-15% premium over the median. The demand for tech PMs is high.
  • Construction PM: Also commands a premium, especially with a PE or CCM license.
  • Healthcare PM: Salaries are at or slightly above the median, with significant stability.
• Advancement Paths: The ceiling in Lee's Summit is typically the Director of PMO or Program Manager role at a local enterprise. For VP or C-level positions, you'll likely need to commute to downtown Kansas City or Overland Park, KS.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 6% job growth is solid. The biggest growth areas will be in healthcare IT (driven by St. Luke's and Cerner), renewable energy infrastructure (Ameren), and logistics (given the area's proximity to major shipping routes). PMs who upskill in AI project management or data-driven project analytics will have the best long-term prospects.

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

Pros	Cons
High purchasing power with median salary $99,244 and low rent ($886).	Job market is not as deep as core Kansas City. May require a commute for the best opportunities.
Stable, growing job market in resilient industries (healthcare, finance, education).	Social scene is quieter than a major city; fewer networking events outside of professional groups.
Excellent schools and family-friendly neighborhoods.	Car is essential; public transit is limited.
Proximity to Kansas City without the traffic and cost of living.	Career ceiling for PMs may require a move to Kansas City or Overland Park for top-tier executive roles.
Strong professional network via active PMI chapter and local employers.	Limited public infrastructure projects compared to larger metros.

Final Recommendation: Lee's Summit is an ideal choice for PMs in the mid-to-senior level who prioritize financial stability, quality of life, and family. It's particularly attractive if you work in healthcare, finance, or IT. If you're an entry-level PM looking for the highest concentration of startups and tech companies, you might start in Lee's Summit but plan to network heavily in Kansas City. For an expert PM, it's a fantastic place to run a department or program, but for a C-suite aspiration, a commute or move may be in your long-term plan.

FAQs

1. Is the job market for Project Managers competitive in Lee's Summit?
Yes, but in a healthy way. With 208 jobs and steady growth, there are opportunities. Competition is highest for entry-level roles and lowest for senior, specialized roles (e.g., PMP-certified healthcare IT PMs).

2. How important is the PMP certification here?
Very important. For corporate employers like Commerce Bank and healthcare systems, it's often a requirement for senior roles. For school districts or smaller firms, it may be a "nice to have." Insider Tip: If you're applying to Cerner/Oracle Health, having the PMP is a major differentiator.

3. Can I commute to downtown Kansas City from Lee's Summit?
Yes, and it's common. The drive is typically 25-35 minutes via I-70 or I-470. Traffic can be heavy during rush hour, but it's generally manageable compared to other major metros. Many people use this commute to access higher salaries while living in a more affordable area.

4. What's the best way to network as a new resident?
Start with the Kansas City PMI Chapter. Attend their monthly luncheons (hosted in both KC and suburbs like Lee's Summit). Also, look into the Lee's Summit Chamber of Commerce. They have young professional groups that meet regularly. Don't underestimate LinkedIn—search for "Project Manager" and filter by "Lee's Summit, MO" to find local colleagues.

5. Are there opportunities for remote PM work while living in Lee's Summit?
Absolutely. The pandemic accelerated this trend. Many Lee's Summit residents work remotely for companies based in Kansas City, Chicago, or even nationally. The cost-of-living advantage makes it a prime location for remote workers. However, ensure you have reliable high-speed internet; fiber is available in many parts of the city but not all.