Greater Wichita Partnership > Data & Resources > Wages & Income
High-Skill, Low Labor Costs
In the Greater Wichita region, low labor costs give businesses more room to grow. According to the Wichita Metro Area Occupational Wage Survey, Wichita MSA average annual pay is $44,923. That is $11,938 or 21% below the national metro area average of $56,861.
The region offers a low cost of operation, the number one skilled manufacturing workforce in the nation, and a pro-business environment, all of which contribute to lowering worker's compensation rates. Kansas has the nation’s sixth lowest worker's compensation premium rates among the 50 states and the District of Columbia — about 32 percent below the national median.*
Employee Benefits Data
- Local medium- to large-size manufacturers typically report that benefits total 30 to 35 percent of the company’s wage or salary base, which includes workers compensation premiums.*
(Does not include the employer-paid portion of Social Security.)
- Cafeteria Plans in which employees can trade off benefits for wage and salary compensation are common.
- Typical benefits offered include medical insurance (primarily company-paid/partially employee-paid), dental insurance, vision insurance, disability insurance, life insurance, 401K plans (a defined contribution, not necessarily including a company match) and possibly defined-benefit pension plans, vacation time, and sick leave.
- Other benefits sometimes offered include tuition reimbursement for relevant coursework.
*Wichita Metro Area Occupational Wage Survey
Right-to-Work State
- Kansas is among the only eight states enacting a Right-To-Work (RTW) by state constitutional amendment. As such, Kansas RTW status can only be changed by a vote of the people and is not vulnerable to legislative reversal.
- Kansas is an "at will" employment state. There are no unusual employment regulations or restrictions.
- Of the 28 states that prohibit required union membership (Right-To-Work or RTW states), 20 enacted RTW-by-state statute. Such statutory RTW laws are vulnerable to legislative reversal.
- Unions in Kansas cannot attempt to collect “service fees” from workers who choose to not join a union.
- Discover how your business can save with low Tax and Utility costs.
- Learn more about the region’s highly skilled Workforce.
Executive Vice President of Economic Development
Andrew Nave
Connect with the Greater Wichita Partnership for more insight into the policies and data that make this region an opportune area for growth and expansion.
