Registered Nurse in Lee's Summit, MO

The Salary Picture: Where Lee's Summit Stands

As a local career analyst who’s watched the nursing job market here for over a decade, I can tell you this: Lee’s Summit offers a solid, stable salary for Registered Nurses (RNs), especially when you factor in the cost of living. You’re not chasing top-tier metro pay like in coastal cities, but you’re also not dealing with the punishing expenses. Let’s break down the numbers.

According to the most recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and state wage surveys, the median salary for an RN in Lee’s Summit is $84,339 per year, which translates to an hourly rate of $40.55. This figure sits just below the national average of $86,070 per year, but it’s highly competitive for the Midwest region. The local job market is active, with an estimated 939 nursing jobs in the metro area and a 10-year job growth projection of 6%, which aligns with the national trend for healthcare professions.

Here’s how that breaks down by experience level. Note that these are estimates based on local hiring patterns and BLS percentile data for the region.

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary Range	Notes for Lee's Summit
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$68,000 - $75,000	New grads starting at major hospitals like St. Luke's East or Children's Mercy Lee's Summit typically land in this range. Sign-on bonuses are common here.
Mid-Career	3-9 years	$78,000 - $92,000	This is where you see the median and beyond. Experience in Med-Surg, ICU, or ER command higher pay. Shift differentials for nights/weekends are significant.
Senior/Charge Nurse	10-19 years	$90,000 - $105,000	Leadership roles, specialty certifications (e.g., CCRN, OCN), and charge nurse positions at top facilities reach this tier.
Expert/Advanced Practice	20+ years / NP	$105,000+	Nurse Practitioners (NPs) in Lee's Summit can earn significantly more, often $110,000 - $130,000+, depending on specialty and practice setting.

How does this compare to other Missouri cities? Lee's Summit offers a compelling balance. It pays slightly above the statewide median for RNs (which is closer to $82,000) but remains more affordable than Kansas City proper, where the cost of living is higher. Compared to St. Louis, salaries are similar, but the suburban lifestyle and commute in Lee's Summit are often preferred by families. Think of it as the "sweet spot"—metro-level pay with suburban affordability.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get real about your monthly budget. An annual salary of $84,339 breaks down to about $7,028 per month before taxes. After federal, state (MO has a progressive tax), and FICA taxes, your take-home pay will be closer to $5,200 - $5,500 per month (this varies based on deductions, but it's a solid estimate).

Now, factor in housing. The average 1BR rent in Lee's Summit is $886/month, but this varies by neighborhood (more on that later). Let's model a typical budget for an RN earning the median salary:

Monthly Budget Breakdown for an RN Earning $84,339:

• Take-Home Pay (after taxes): ~$5,350
• Rent (1BR Average): $886
• Utilities (Electric, Gas, Water, Internet): $200
• Car Payment/Insurance (Suburban necessity): $450
• Groceries: $350
• Health Insurance (if not fully covered): $200
• Student Loans: $250
• Discretionary/Savings: $3,014

This leaves a very comfortable buffer for savings, retirement contributions (401k/403b), and lifestyle. Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. With a strong credit score and a 20% down payment, a median-priced home in Lee's Summit (around $280,000 - $320,000) is within reach for an RN at this salary level, especially with a dual-income household. The local real estate market is stable, not bubble-prone, making homeownership a realistic long-term goal.

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

Lee's Summit's healthcare ecosystem is anchored by a few key players, with significant spillover from the Kansas City metro. Here’s where most RNs are working:

1. St. Luke's Hospital - Lee's Summit: A major regional facility part of the St. Luke's Health System. It’s a Level II trauma center and offers a wide range of specialties. Hiring Trend: Consistently strong, especially for Med-Surg, Cardiac, and Ortho/Neuro units. They offer tuition reimbursement and clinical ladders.
2. Children's Mercy Lee's Summit: A pediatric specialty hospital and outpatient complex. Hiring Trend: High demand for pediatric RNs, NICU, and PICU. This is a premier employer with excellent benefits and a focused, family-centered culture.
3. Saint Luke's East Hospital (in nearby Independence): Just a 15-minute commute, this is another major St. Luke's campus with an ER, ICU, and surgical services. Hiring Trend: Active across all units, often with competitive sign-on bonuses for experienced nurses.
4. Lee's Summit Medical Center (HCA Healthcare): A full-service community hospital. Hiring Trend: Steady hiring for Med-Surg, ER, and Labor & Delivery. HCA’s benefits package is robust, and the hospital is known for its community focus.
5. The University of Kansas Health System - Great Plains (in Overland Park, KS): A 25-minute commute, but a major academic medical center. Hiring Trend: High demand for specialty nurses (Oncology, Transplant, Neuro). Pay can be slightly higher here, but commute is a factor.
6. Senior Living & Home Health Agencies: Companies like Sunrise Senior Living, Brookdale, and VNA have a strong presence. Hiring Trend: Growing need for geriatric and home health RNs, offering more flexible schedules.
7. Lee's Summit School District: School nurse positions are a stable, 8-3 schedule option. Hiring Trend: These positions are competitive and not always open, but they offer summers off and a great work-life balance.

Getting Licensed in MO

Missouri’s licensure process is straightforward but requires attention to detail. If you’re an RN moving from another state, you’ll likely apply for licensure by endorsement.

Key Requirements & Costs:

• Application: Through the Missouri State Board of Nursing (www.nursing.mo.gov). Cost: $125.
• Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC): Missouri is a compact state. If you have a multi-state license from another NLC state, you can practice in MO without a new license. Verify your state’s status on the NCSBN website.
• Background Check: Required, conducted through the Missouri State Highway Highway Patrol. Cost: ~$45.
• If coming from a non-compact state: You may need to take the NCLEX-RN if your original license was from a country other than the U.S. or Canada. The NCLEX exam fee is $200.
• Timeline: For licensure by endorsement, processing can take 4-8 weeks after a complete application. Start the process at least 2-3 months before your planned move. Insider Tip: The Board’s online portal can be slow. Call them directly for status checks if you're on a tight timeline.

Best Neighborhoods for Registered Nurses

Your commute is key in Lee’s Summit. Most nurses work at one of the major hospitals, which are clustered in the eastern part of the city or just over the state line.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Why RNs Love It
East of I-470	Family-friendly, newer subdivisions, top-rated schools. Commute: 10-15 mins to St. Luke's Lee's Summit.	$1,100+	Quiet, safe, and close to the major medical centers. Perfect for families.
Historic Downtown	Charming, walkable, with local cafes and parks. Commute: 12-18 mins to all major hospitals.	$900 - $1,100	Ideal for those who want a smaller-town feel with easy access to everything.
Longview/Longview Lake Area	Established neighborhoods, more affordable housing, lake access. Commute: 15-20 mins.	$800 - $950	Offers great value. Closer to Lee's Summit Medical Center.
Raintree Lake/Area (West of I-470)	Upscale, newer homes, golf courses. Commute: 15-25 mins to hospitals (can be longer during rush hour).	$1,200+	Popular with senior nurses and managers seeking larger homes and premium amenities.
Near the MO/KS Border (South)	Mix of older and new homes, easy highway access. Commute: 20 mins to St. Luke's Lee's Summit; 15 mins to Children's Mercy.	$850 - $1,000	Great compromise for those working at Children's Mercy or in Kansas City.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Lee’s Summit is a fantastic place to build a long-term nursing career. The 10-year job growth of 6% is steady, but the real growth is in specialization and advanced practice.

Specialty Premiums:

• ICU/ER: Expect a 5-10% premium over Med-Surg base pay.
• Oncology/Bone Marrow Transplant: Specialized centers (like at The University of Kansas Health System) offer higher pay and bonuses.
• Labor & Delivery: High demand, competitive pay, and often shift differentials.
• Home Health/Home Infusion: Can be lucrative with mileage reimbursement and autonomous scheduling.

Advancement Paths:

1. Clinical Ladder: Most major hospitals have a clinical ladder program. Moving from RN I to RN IV can add $5,000 - $10,000+ to your annual salary.
2. Nurse Practitioner (NP) or Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS): This is the most significant leap. Local universities (UMKC, Rockhurst, Emory & Henry) have strong NP programs. NP salaries in Lee's Summit/KC area start at $110,000 and go up from there.
3. Management/Leadership: Charge nurse, unit manager, director of nursing. These roles require experience and often a BSN or MSN.

10-Year Outlook: The demand will remain strong, driven by an aging population and the expansion of outpatient services. The key to salary growth will be specializing and/or pursuing an advanced degree.

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

Pros	Cons
Affordable Cost of Living: Your salary goes much further here than in major metros.	Limited "Big City" Amenities: You’ll likely drive to Kansas City for major concerts, international flights, or high-end dining.
Stable Job Market: Multiple major employers and steady growth create job security.	Commute Considerations: While not terrible, rush hour traffic on I-470 and I-70 can add 10-15 minutes to your drive.
Family-Friendly Lifestyle: Excellent schools, low crime rates, and abundant parks.	Less Diversity: Compared to Kansas City proper, the suburbs are less culturally diverse.
Balance of Urban/Suburban: You get a quiet neighborhood without being isolated.	Weather: Missouri summers are humid, and winters can be icy. A reliable car is a must.
Strong Sense of Community: Lee's Summit has a proud, engaged local identity.	Niche Specialties: For ultra-specialized roles (e.g., pediatric heart transplant), you may need to commute to KC.

Final Recommendation: Lee's Summit is an excellent choice for RNs who prioritize financial stability, family life, and a manageable pace. It’s perfect for new grads who want to gain experience without crippling debt, mid-career nurses seeking a home purchase, and senior nurses looking for a community to put down roots. If you crave a 24/7 metropolitan vibe, you might feel constrained. But for most, the combination of a median salary of $84,339, a cost of living index of 93.3, and a robust local healthcare network makes it a smart, strategic move.

FAQs

Q: What's the real commute like from Lee's Summit to the main hospitals?
A: Most major hospitals are within a 10-20 minute drive. The key is avoiding I-70 and I-470 during peak rush hours (7-8:30 AM, 4:30-6 PM). Many nurses work 12-hour shifts, which often means they commute outside these windows.

Q: Are there many opportunities for night shift and weekend differentials?
A: Yes, absolutely. It's standard for hospitals to offer significant differential pay for night, weekend, and holiday shifts. This can boost your effective hourly rate to $45-$50+ per hour.

Q: Is it easy to switch specialties once I'm in the area?
A: It can be, but it depends on the hospital. St. Luke's and Children's Mercy often have internal transfer or cross-training programs. For major switches (e.g., Med-Surg to ICU), you may need to apply for an internal "step-down" program or gain experience in a related unit first.

Q: What's the best way to find a nursing job in Lee's Summit?
A: While Indeed and LinkedIn are useful, the most effective method is to go directly to the hospital career websites. Set up job alerts for St. Luke's, Children's Mercy, and HCA. Also, connect with local healthcare recruiters on LinkedIn who specialize in the Kansas City metro area.

Q: How does the cost of living affect my ability to save for retirement?
A: Favorably. With a lower-than-average cost of living, you can comfortably contribute to your employer's 403b/401k (especially if there's a match) and still have disposable income. Many local financial advisors offer free consultations at major employers to help new hires set up their retirement plans.