Jobs
What are Kansas’ high-demand, high-wage occupations? Here are the top 15 jobs.
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If you’re looking for a career with job security and good pay, the state has a list for you.
The Kansas Department of Labor released its annual economic report, and it includes data on occupations expected to see the highest growth as well as above-average wages.
The state measured high-demand occupations based on current job openings and projections of job openings in the next two years and in 10 years. While some high-demand occupations pay below the statewide median wage of $45,250, this list only include fields that pay above that.
“High demand occupations are jobs expected to be in greatest demand by employers in Kansas,” the KDOL report said. “The High Demand Occupation Lists are intended to assist students, educators, administrators, and others in making informed decisions regarding career paths.”
The list also notes education requirements, like whether a college degree is needed.
Here are the top 15 high-demand, high-wage occupations in Kansas. They are ranked primarily according to strongest demand.
- General and Operations Managers: Bachelor’s degree, annual median wage of $85,690.
- Registered Nurses: Bachelor’s degree, annual median wage of $75,780.
- Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers: Postsecondary nondegree award, annual median wage of $53,250.
- Accountants and Auditors: Bachelor’s degree, annual median wage of $75,870.
- First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers: High school diploma or equivalent, annual median wage of $46,310.
- First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers: High school diploma or equivalent, annual median wage of $68,810.
- Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education: Bachelor’s degree, annual median wage of $50,910.
- Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants: High school diploma or equivalent, annual median wage of $61,140.
- Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers: High school diploma or equivalent, annual median wage of $50,200.
- Sales Representatives of Services, Except Advertising, Insurance, Financial Services, and Travel: High school diploma or equivalent, annual median wage of $63,420.
- First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers: High school diploma or equivalent, annual median wage of $58,910.
- Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses: Postsecondary nondegree award, annual median wage of $55,540.
- Coaches and Scouts: Bachelor’s degree, annual median wage of $47,070.
- Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators: No formal educational credential, annual median wage of $46,140.
- Medical and Health Services Managers: Bachelor’s degree, annual median wage of $101,450.
Jason Alatidd is a Statehouse reporter for The Topeka Capital-Journal. He can be reached by email at jalatidd@gannett.com. Follow him on X @Jason_Alatidd.