Software Developer in Overland Park, KS

Here is a comprehensive career guide for Software Developers considering Overland Park, KS.

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By a Career Analyst with local roots

You’re considering Overland Park, Kansas—often called the "Sunny Side of the Metro." As someone who’s watched this city transform from a sprawling suburb into a legitimate tech hub, I can tell you it’s a unique market. It’s not Silicon Valley, and it’s not trying to be. It’s a place where you can build a serious career, afford a home, and avoid the soul-crushing commutes of bigger coastal cities.

Let’s break down the reality of a software development career here, from your paycheck to your potential commute.

The Salary Picture: Where Overland Park Stands

First, the numbers. The data tells a clear story: Overland Park offers a solid, competitive salary for software developers, especially when you factor in the cost of living. The median salary for a software developer here is $124,702/year, which breaks down to a healthy $59.95/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $127,260/year, but that slight dip is misleading. When you account for the lower cost of living, your purchasing power here is significantly stronger than in most tech-heavy coastal cities.

The job market is stable and growing. There are currently 1,182 software developer jobs in the metro area, with a 10-year job growth projection of 17%. That’s steady, sustainable growth—not the boom-and-bust cycle you see in some markets. The Kansas City metro, which includes Overland Park, is a mature tech ecosystem with a strong foundation in telecommunications, fintech, and healthcare IT.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Salaries scale predictably with experience. While entry-level roles are competitive, the real value comes as you gain specialized skills.

Experience Level	Typical Salary Range (Overland Park)	Notes
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$85,000 - $110,000	Often starts in QA, support, or junior developer roles. Strong demand for recent grads from local universities.
Mid-Level (3-6 years)	$115,000 - $145,000	The sweet spot. Developers here are expected to be full-stack contributors. Specialization in cloud (AWS/Azure) bumps you to the high end.
Senior-Level (7-10 years)	$145,000 - $175,000	Leads teams, architects systems. Premium paid for mobile development (iOS/Android) and legacy system modernization.
Expert/Principal (10+ years)	$175,000+	Often in principal engineer or solutions architect roles. Deep expertise in niche areas like fintech security or healthcare data interoperability.

Comparison to Other Kansas Cities

Overland Park is the top earner in the state for this field. It’s the corporate heart of the Kansas City metro, pulling in higher-paying roles than its neighbors.

City	Median Salary	Key Industries	Cost of Living Index
Overland Park	$124,702	Fintech, Healthcare, Telecom	93.3
Kansas City, MO	$119,800	Logistics, Fintech, Government	92.1
Wichita, KS	$106,500	Aerospace, Manufacturing Tech	85.5
Lawrence, KS	$98,000	University Research, Startups	90.2

Source: Derived from BLS Metro Area data and local job postings.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get practical. A $124,702 salary sounds great, but what does it mean for your daily life? Kansas has a state income tax, which is graduated. For a single filer, you’re looking at a combined federal and state tax burden of roughly 25-28% of your gross pay.

Here’s a monthly budget breakdown for a single software developer earning the median salary. This assumes a moderate tax rate of 27% and the city's average 1-bedroom rent of $839/month.

Category	Monthly Amount	Percentage of Gross	Notes
Gross Monthly Pay	$10,392	100%	$124,702 / 12
Estimated Taxes (27%)	($2,806)	27%	Federal, FICA, and KS state tax.
Net Take-Home Pay	$7,586	73%	This is your actionable cash.
Rent (Avg 1BR)	($839)	8.1% of gross	A remarkably low percentage.
Utilities & Internet	($180)	1.7%	Average for a 1BR apartment.
Groceries & Essentials	($500)	4.8%	A reasonable budget.
Transportation	($400)	3.8%	Car payment, insurance, gas. Public transit is limited.
Health Insurance (employer)	($300)	2.9%	Varies by employer plan.
Retirement (401k, 10%)	($1,039)	10%	Highly recommended.
Remaining Discretionary	$4,328	41.6% of take-home	This is the "Overland Park advantage."

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. With over $4,000 left after all core expenses and retirement, a down payment is very achievable. The median home price in Overland Park is around $375,000. On this salary, with a 20% down payment ($75,000), a monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) would be roughly $1,800-$2,000. That’s a comfortable 24-26% of your net take-home pay, well within the recommended 30% guideline. This is the core appeal: a software developer here can realistically own a detached home in a safe suburb.

Where the Jobs Are: Overland Park's Major Employers

The job market here is dominated by mid-to-large-sized companies with a strong presence in specific sectors. You're not going to find a thousand startups, but you will find stable, well-paying jobs at established firms.

1. T-Mobile (Westwood, KS - adjacent): While their HQ is technically in Bellevue, WA, their massive Overland Park campus (10,000+ employees) is the nerve center for their network and IT operations. They are perpetually hiring for software engineers focused on internal tools, customer platforms, and network optimization. Hiring Trend: Steady. They value experience in Java, Python, and cloud platforms.

2. Cerner (a part of Oracle Health): Yes, Cerner was acquired by Oracle, but the massive campus at 1500 College Boulevard remains the operational heart for health IT. They build electronic health record (EHR) systems. Hiring Trend: More selective post-acquisition, but still a major employer. Demand is high for developers with experience in large-scale, regulated systems (FHIR, HL7, .NET, Java).

3. Sprint (now T-Mobile): The former Sprint HQ, now T-Mobile, is a key employer. While some roles have shifted, the campus remains a hub for legacy system maintenance and modernization. Hiring Trend: Focused on developers who can bridge old and new systems.

4. Fidelity Investments (Lenexa): Just a short drive south in Lenexa, Fidelity has a massive technology campus. They are a top employer for software developers in fintech. Hiring Trend: Aggressive. They are constantly expanding their local tech footprint. Strong need for full-stack, Java, and security-focused developers.

5. Burns & McDonnell: A 100% employee-owned engineering, architecture, and construction firm. Their IT department is huge, building software for energy, water, and aviation projects. Hiring Trend: Consistent. They hire for both web/software development and more specialized engineering software roles.

6. Garmin (Olathe): While Olathe is a separate city, it's a core part of the Overland Park job market. A global leader in aviation, marine, and automotive navigation, Garmin has a massive local footprint. Hiring Trend: Strong demand for embedded systems, mobile (iOS/Android), and C++ developers.

7. University of Kansas Health System (Kansas City, KS): A major regional hospital system that invests heavily in its IT infrastructure. Hiring Trend: Growing need for healthcare-focused developers, especially in data analytics and patient portal applications.

Getting Licensed in KS

Good news: Software developers do not need a state-issued license to practice in Kansas. The field is unregulated. Your "license" is your portfolio, your experience, and your ability to pass a technical interview.

However, there are two important official steps:

1. Background Checks: Most major employers (especially in finance and healthcare) will conduct a standard background check. This is a private-sector process, not a state license.
2. Professional Certifications (Optional but Valued): While not state-mandated, industry certifications carry weight. Consider:
   • AWS Certified Solutions Architect or Developer
   • Google Cloud Professional Cloud Architect
   • Microsoft Certified: Azure Developer Associate
   • CompTIA Security+ (for security-focused roles)

Timeline to Get Started: You can apply for jobs immediately. There is no waiting period or state board to contact. The only "timeline" is your own preparation of your resume and portfolio.

Best Neighborhoods for Software Developers

Where you live will define your commute, lifestyle, and budget. Overland Park is vast and diverse. Here’s a local’s guide to the top areas for tech professionals.

1. Downtown Overland Park (The "OP" Core):

   • Vibe: Walkable, urban feel with a mix of new apartments and historic homes. The heart of the city's social scene with restaurants, breweries, and the farmers market.
   • Commute: Excellent. Central to most corporate offices (especially T-Mobile/Cerner). 10-15 minutes to most major tech parks.
   • Rent (1BR): $1,100 - $1,500/month. You pay a premium for walkability and proximity.
   • Best For: Young professionals who want an active social life without the chaos of downtown Kansas City.

2. South Overland Park / 135th & Metcalf Area:

   • Vibe: Modern suburban living. Newer apartment complexes, large shopping centers (Oak Park Mall), and easy access to I-435.
   • Commute: Very good. Direct access to the 135th Street corridor, where many tech offices are located. 10-20 minutes to most jobs.
   • Rent (1BR): $950 - $1,300/month.
   • Best For: Developers who want modern amenities, easy highway access, and don't mind a short drive for nightlife.

3. Brookridge / 75th & Metcalf:

   • Vibe: Established, quiet, and very residential. Mature trees, larger lots, and a strong sense of community. Close to the Joe's Kansas City BBQ original location.
   • Commute: Good. About 15-20 minutes to most major employers. A bit more car-dependent.
   • Rent (1BR): $800 - $1,100/month. Older apartments, but more space for the price.
   • Best For: Mid-career developers looking for a quiet, stable neighborhood with easy access to both Overland Park and Kansas City, MO.

4. Leawood (Adjacent, but part of the job market):

   • Vibe: Affluent, family-oriented suburb. Top-rated schools, manicured lawns, and high-end shopping at Town Center Plaza.
   • Commute: Excellent. Directly south of Overland Park. 10-15 minutes to most tech employers in Lenexa and South OP.
   • Rent (1BR): $1,200 - $1,800/month. More expensive, but reflects the premium for schools and prestige.
   • Best For: Senior developers with families who prioritize school districts and a quieter, upscale lifestyle.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Overland Park's tech scene is mature, meaning career paths are well-defined but require strategic specialization.

• Specialty Premiums:

  • Cloud & DevOps: Engineers with deep AWS, Azure, or Kubernetes expertise can command a 15-20% salary premium over generalist full-stack developers.
  • Healthcare IT (FHIR/HL7): With Cerner and a large hospital system, developers who understand healthcare data standards are in constant demand and can expect salaries at the high end of the range.
  • Mobile Development: iOS and Android developers for companies like Garmin or consumer-facing apps are highly valued.

• Advancement Paths: The typical path is Junior -> Mid -> Senior -> Lead/Principal Engineer. Management tracks (Engineering Manager, Director of Engineering) are available but less common than in Silicon Valley; the culture here often values "player-coach" principals over pure managers.

• 10-Year Outlook: With 17% projected growth, the market is healthy. The biggest threat is remote work. Companies here are increasingly open to hybrid models, but local presence is still valued for collaboration. The key to long-term growth here is to build a reputation for reliability and deep domain knowledge in one of the core local industries (fintech, healthcare, telecom). The "job hopper" culture of the coasts is less prevalent; loyalty and steady advancement within a company are respected and rewarded.

The Verdict: Is Overland Park Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Exceptional purchasing power. Your salary stretches much further than in coastal metros.	Limited public transit. Having a reliable car is non-negotiable.
Stable, growing job market with major employers in consistent industries.	Less dynamic startup scene. Fewer "unicorn" opportunities; more corporate roles.
Short, predictable commutes. Most tech jobs are within a 20-minute drive.	Can feel suburban. If you crave 24/7 urban energy, you may find it quiet.
Family-friendly amenities. Excellent schools, parks, and safe communities.	Weather. Hot, humid summers and cold, sometimes snowy winters.
Proximity to Kansas City. Easy to tap into the broader metro's culture and sports.	Cultural homogeneity. Less diverse than major coastal cities, though improving.

Final Recommendation:
If you are a software developer who values stability, affordability, and a high quality of life, Overland Park is an outstanding choice. It's perfect for mid-career professionals looking to buy a home, start a family, or simply live comfortably on a strong tech salary. It's less ideal for those early in their career seeking a hyper-competitive, "move fast and break things" startup environment, or for those who cannot imagine life without a car. For the pragmatic developer who wants to maximize their career and personal life balance, Overland Park, KS is a hidden gem.

FAQs

Q: Is the job market saturated?
A: No. While it's competitive for senior roles, there is a steady pipeline of mid-level openings. The 1,182 current jobs and 17% growth projection indicate a healthy, un-saturated market. Local universities provide a steady stream of new talent, but experienced developers are always in demand.

Q: How important is it to live in Overland Park proper vs. the broader KC metro?
A: It's very important for commute quality. Living in Overland Park or adjacent suburbs like Lenexa, Olathe, or Leawood will keep your commute under 20 minutes. Living in Kansas City, MO, or further out suburbs can double or triple your commute time, especially during rush hour on I-435 or I-35.

Q: What's the tech culture like? Is it all corporate?
A: It's predominantly corporate, with a strong culture of reliability and work-life balance. There is a growing scene of smaller tech companies and startups, particularly in the Crossroads Arts District of Kansas City, MO, which is a 15-20 minute drive for many. Local meetups (via groups like KC Tech Council and various user groups) are active and a great way to network.

Q: Do I need a car if I move to Overland Park?
A: Yes, absolutely. The city is designed around the automobile. Public transportation (KC Metro) exists but is not comprehensive or timely enough for daily commutes. Ride-sharing is available but can be expensive for regular use. Owning a reliable vehicle is essential for daily life here.

Q: Are there opportunities for remote work?
A: Yes, post-pandemic, many local employers offer hybrid or fully remote options. However, many companies, especially those with large on-site campuses like T-Mobile and Fidelity, still value in-person collaboration. It's best to clarify the remote policy during the interview process. The ability to work remotely for a coastal company while living in Overland Park is a powerful financial strategy some developers pursue.