Here is a comprehensive career guide for Project Managers considering a move to Overland Park, Kansas.

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The Overland Park Project Manager's Career Guide

Welcome to Overland Park. As a local who has seen this city grow from a quiet suburb to the economic hub of the Kansas City metro, I can tell you it’s a unique spot for a Project Manager. It’s not the flashy downtown core, but it’s where the steady, well-paying corporate work lives. If you’re looking for a balance of career stability and a manageable cost of living, you’re in the right place. Let’s break down what your life actually looks like here.

The Salary Picture: Where Overland Park Stands

First, the numbers. Overland Park is a strong market for Project Managers, especially in the tech and healthcare sectors that dominate the local economy. While the national average sits slightly higher, our lower cost of living makes the local salary go much further.

Here’s how the salary landscape breaks down by experience level:

Experience Level	Average Annual Salary (Overland Park)	Hourly Equivalent
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$78,000	$37.50/hr
Mid-Level (3-7 yrs)	$99,244	$47.71/hr
Senior-Level (8-12 yrs)	$132,000	$63.46/hr
Expert/Lead (12+ yrs)	$158,000	$75.96/hr

Note: The median salary of $99,244/year and hourly rate of $47.71/hour represent the typical mid-career professional. This is slightly below the national average of $101,280/year, but the differential is minimal and is more than compensated for by the local cost of living.

Compared to Other Kansas Cities:

• Wichita: Salaries are typically 8-10% lower, around $90,000, but the cost of living is also lower. The job market is more focused on aviation and manufacturing.
• Topeka: State government-heavy, average salaries hover around $92,000, with fewer private-sector tech roles.
• Kansas City (MO side): Salaries can be 5-7% higher ($105,000+), but you trade it for city income taxes and a higher, more volatile housing market.

Insider Tip: Don’t just look at the base salary. Many Overland Park employers, especially in tech, offer annual bonuses (8-15% of base) and 401(k) matching (typically 3-6%). Always ask about the total compensation package.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get practical. If you’re earning the median $99,244, what does your monthly budget actually look like?

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Single Earner, No Dependents):

• Gross Monthly Pay: $8,270
• Estimated Taxes (Fed, State, FICA): ~$2,300
• Net Take-Home Pay: ~$5,970
• Rent (1BR, Average): -$839
• Utilities, Internet, Phone: -$250
• Groceries: -$400
• Transportation (Gas/Insurance): -$200
• Health Insurance (Employer Plan): -$300
• Discretionary/Debt/Retirement: ~$3,981

Can You Afford to Buy a Home?
Absolutely. This is Overland Park’s biggest selling point. The median home price here is around $350,000. With a 20% down payment ($70,000), a 30-year mortgage at 7% would run you about $1,860/month (including property taxes and insurance). For a Project Manager earning the median, that’s under 31% of your gross income—a very healthy ratio. Many young professionals here buy homes within 3-5 years of moving.

Insider Tip: Look into the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC) down payment assistance programs. They often have grants and low-interest loans for first-time buyers, especially for homes in targeted areas of Johnson County.

Where the Jobs Are: Overland Park's Major Employers

The job market here is robust and diverse, anchored by several major players. You won’t find a single dominant industry, which provides stability.

1. NexTech AR Solutions (and the broader Tech/Startup Scene): While not a giant, NexTech’s headquarters here is a symbol of the growing tech corridor along College Blvd. The ecosystem is filled with SaaS companies, digital agencies, and fintech firms. Hiring is steady for PMs with Agile/Scrum Master certifications.
2. Sprint (T-Mobile): Now integrated with T-Mobile, the massive Overland Park campus remains one of the largest employers. They hire PMs for network deployment, IT, and retail operations. The hiring trend here is cautious but consistent; they value PMP and ITIL certifications.
3. Cerner (Oracle Health): While Oracle has consolidated some operations, Cerner’s campus (now Oracle Health) is still a major hub for healthcare IT. This is a prime spot for PMs with experience in healthcare systems, data privacy, and large-scale software implementations. They value PMs who can navigate complex regulatory environments.
4. Cox Business: A major telecom and business services provider. They hire for project managers in network engineering, enterprise sales implementation, and business process improvement. They have a strong preference for candidates with a blend of technical and client-facing skills.
5. Children’s Mercy Kansas City: A premier pediatric hospital with a huge Overland Park footprint. They hire PMs for clinical research projects, IT rollouts (EHR systems like Epic), and facility expansions. The work is mission-driven but fast-paced.
6. State Farm (Regional Headquarters): A massive, stable employer. They hire PMs for claims system modernization, operational improvements, and new agent integrations. The culture is corporate but offers excellent benefits and job security.
7. Johnson County Government: The county seat is in Olathe, but the government is the largest employer in the metro. They hire PMs for infrastructure projects (roads, utilities), IT projects, and public health initiatives. The process is bureaucratic but the projects are impactful and long-term.

Hiring Trends: The biggest demand right now is for PMs who bridge the gap between IT and business operations. There’s also a shortage of PMs with strong change management skills, especially in healthcare and telecom.

Getting Licensed in KS

Kansas has a straightforward approach to project management credentials. Unlike some states, you don’t need a state license to practice as a PM.

Key Requirements & Certifications:

• PMP (Project Management Professional): Offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). This is the gold standard. There’s no state-specific board; you earn it through PMI and maintain it with PDUs.
• Certified ScrumMaster (CSM): Crucial for tech roles in Overland Park’s SaaS and healthcare IT sectors.
• Six Sigma Belts (Green/Black): Valued in manufacturing and process improvement roles (common at companies like Garmin in nearby Olathe).

Costs & Timeline:

• PMP Exam Fee: $405 for PMI members, $555 for non-members.
• Study Prep: Boot camps range from $1,000 - $2,500. Self-study with books and online courses can be under $500.
• Timeline: From start to certification, allow 4-6 months. This includes 35 contact hours of education, application review (5-10 days), and scheduling the exam.

Insider Tip: The Kansas City PMI Chapter is very active. They host monthly meetings (often in Overland Park or Olathe) and a large annual conference. Joining is a great way to network and find local mentors who know which employers value which certs.

Best Neighborhoods for Project Managers

Overland Park is geographically large, and your choice of neighborhood affects your commute, lifestyle, and rent budget significantly.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	1BR Rent Estimate	Best For...
Downtown Overland Park	Walkable, historic, near the main corporate corridor. 5-10 min drive to most offices.	$1,100 - $1,400	The professional who wants a mix of urban feel and suburban convenience. Close to restaurants and the farmers market.
College Blvd Corridor	The corporate backbone. Modern apartments, easy access to Sprint, Cox, and tech hubs. Very car-dependent.	$950 - $1,300	The career-focused PM who prioritizes a sub-10-minute commute above all else.
Indian Creek / Antioch	Established, quiet, family-oriented. Lots of parks and good schools. 15-20 min commute to core jobs.	$850 - $1,100	The PM looking to rent a spacious townhome or save for a house in a stable, low-crime area.
Leawood (technically a separate city, but adjacent)	Affluent, highly rated schools, upscale shopping. Commute is easy via I-435. Rent is higher.	$1,200 - $1,600	The senior PM with a higher budget seeking top-tier schools and a more polished, upscale environment.
Lenexa (south Overland Park)	Growing fast, with a new "City Center" development. More affordable, 15-25 min commute.	$800 - $1,100	The early-career PM who wants a modern apartment without the premium price tag, and doesn’t mind a longer commute.

Insider Tip: The zip code 66213 (south Overland Park/Lenexa area) is the sweet spot for many young professionals. You get more square footage for your rent, and you’re a short drive from the new entertainment district at Lenexa City Center.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Overland Park is a place to build a career, not just a job.

Specialty Premiums:

• IT/Healthcare PM: Can command a 10-15% premium over the median. The demand for PMs who understand HIPAA, FHIR, or Epic systems is high.
• Agile/Scrum Coaches: With a strong base in tech, these roles often pay $120,000+ at senior levels.
• Construction/Infrastructure PM: With ongoing development, this is a steady field. Premiums are more tied to project scale than certification.

Advancement Paths:
The typical path is: Project Coordinator → Project Manager → Senior Project Manager → Program Manager / Director of PMO. Moving into a Director or VP role often requires a PMP and an MBA (or equivalent experience). The local market is not as degree-obsessed as coastal cities; proven results and a PMP often outweigh an MBA.

10-Year Outlook (10-Year Job Growth: 6%):
The 6% growth rate is solid and sustained. It reflects Overland Park’s stable, diversified economy. You won’t see booms like in Austin, but you also won’t see busts. The growth will come from:

1. Healthcare Expansion: As the population ages, more clinical IT and facility projects will launch.
2. Tech Adoption: Legacy companies (insurance, telecom) are constantly modernizing, requiring skilled PMs to lead those transitions.
3. Remote/Hybrid Trends: Overland Park companies are embracing hybrid work, but they still need local PMs to manage teams and stakeholder relationships. This has actually increased demand for "hybrid-savvy" PMs.

The Verdict: Is Overland Park Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Excellent Affordability: The Cost of Living Index of 93.3 (US avg = 100) means your salary stretches further.	Car Dependency: You will need a car. Public transit is limited.
Stable, Diverse Job Market: 394 jobs in the metro, with a 6% growth rate ensures steady opportunities.	Can Feel Generic: The suburban sprawl lacks the unique cultural identity of a core city.
Family-Friendly: Top-rated schools, low crime, and abundant parks.	Midwest Weather: Hot, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. Tornado season is a reality.
Easy Commute: Average commute is under 20 minutes. Traffic is minimal compared to major metros.	Limited Nightlife: Entertainment is more family-oriented or sports-focused.
Gateway to KC: You’re 20 minutes from downtown KC’s sports, culture, and dining scene.	State Tax Structure: Kansas has a progressive income tax (currently 3.1%-5.7%), while Missouri’s side can be lower for some.

Final Recommendation:
Overland Park is an ideal "stepping stone" city for Project Managers. It’s perfect if you want to build a strong financial foundation (buy a house, save aggressively) while working on meaningful projects at established companies. It’s less ideal if you crave a 24/7 urban vibe, walkable neighborhoods, or a career in a cutting-edge startup scene. For the pragmatic PM who values stability, affordability, and quality of life, Overland Park is a smart, strategic move.

FAQs

1. I have a non-PM job offer in Overland Park. Can I transition to Project Management there?
Yes. The market is hungry for talent. Start by getting your PMP or CSM. Network through the Kansas City PMI Chapter. Many companies (like State Farm or Cerner) have internal training programs for employees looking to move into PM roles. It’s a common path.

2. Is it better to live in Overland Park or commute from Kansas City, MO?
For a Project Manager working in Overland Park, living in Overland Park is almost always better. You’ll avoid the I-35/I-435 bottleneck, save on gas, and avoid Missouri’s 1% city earnings tax in Kansas City, MO. The cost of living in Overland Park is also generally lower than in desirable KC neighborhoods like Brookside or the Plaza.

3. How important is a PMP in the Overland Park market?
It’s very important for senior roles ($120,000+). For mid-level roles, experience often trumps the cert, but having it puts you at the top of the pile. For tech PM roles, a PMP combined with a CSM or SAFe certification is a powerful combination. Most serious employers here will ask if you have it or are pursuing it.

4. What’s the best way to find a Project Manager job here?

• LinkedIn: Set your location to Overland Park and use filters. The local talent pool is active.
• Local Recruiters: Firms like The Select Group and Kelly Mitchell have strong presence in the KC metro and specialize in placing tech PMs.
• Company Career Pages: Directly apply to the employers listed above (Cerner, Cox, etc.). Many of their jobs never make it to public job boards.

5. Are there opportunities for remote PM work based in Overland Park?
Yes, increasingly so. Many national companies have remote PM roles open to candidates in the Central Time Zone. However, the strongest job growth and highest salaries are still with local companies that have hybrid or in-office expectations. Having a local address can be an advantage.