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Kansas City has quickly become a premiere hub of innovation and growth, emerging as both a tech and logistics center while benefiting from significant infrastructure improvements. These developments have created a surge in opportunities for businesses and job seekers alike. Over the past decade, the Kansas City Metropolitan Area has added more than 150,000 jobs, with that number continuing to rise each quarter. But what has driven this employment boom? In this article, we’ll explore the factors that led to Kansas City’s growth and what it means for businesses and job seekers.
In 2022, it was reported that Kansas City had over 50,000 businesses with fewer than 100 employees, placing the metro in the middle of the pack compared to other metropolitan areas per capita. However, it’s not just small businesses making moves in the area—many large companies have also made significant investments to expand into the region.
Many larger businesses are now moving to Kansas City, making it one of the most attractive metro areas for expansion and relocation. Some of the main factors that draw companies include:
In February 2024, Eastern Airlines announced its decision to relocate its headquarters from Wayne, Pennsylvania, to Kansas City, Missouri. This strategic move is expected to create 165 full-time jobs with an average salary of $96,000, reinforcing the airline’s commitment to growth and innovation in the heart of the United States (KC EDC)(IN Kansas City Magazine).
Background
Eastern Airlines, which has a rich history dating back to 1926, has maintained a presence in Kansas City since acquiring Alta Aero Technic, a maintenance, repair, and overhaul facility, in 2021. This earlier investment laid the groundwork for their subsequent decision to consolidate all operations in Kansas City (KC EDC).
Factors Influencing the Move
Several factors contributed to Eastern Airlines’ relocation:
Economic Impact
The transition to Kansas City represents a $4.7 million capital investment from Eastern Airlines, significantly contributing to the local economy (KC EDC). This move not only creates new job opportunities but also enhances the city’s reputation as a growing hub for aviation and aerospace businesses.
Conclusion
Eastern Airlines’ relocation to Kansas City showcases how strategic decisions regarding headquarters can bolster local economies, foster innovation, and create jobs. With its strong transportation infrastructure and supportive community, Kansas City is positioned to become an increasingly important player in the airline industry.
For more information on this relocation and its implications, you can read the full article from the Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City (KC EDC)
The Kansas City metro area has seen significant growth across several key sectors in recent years. Here are a few industries that stand out:
Here’s a list of 25 businesses that have moved from outside of Kansas City into the city or have expanded their footprint in the city within the last five years:
These relocations reflect a growing trend of businesses recognizing Kansas City as a hub for logistics, technology, and healthcare industries. For more detailed information, you can explore resources from local business news and development councils (Built In) (ThinkKC).
As Kansas City experiences a surge in business growth, job seekers are seeing the direct benefits of an expanding market. The influx of new companies and the expansion of established businesses have translated into more opportunities across various industries, but the advantages go beyond just job openings. Here’s a closer look at what this rapid growth means for those in the job market.
The diversification of Kansas City’s economy has opened the door to a large amount of job opportunities across a range of sectors. As industries such as logistics, technology, healthcare, and manufacturing continue to expand in the metro area, job seekers are finding it easier to identify roles that align with their skills and career interests. The city’s growth isn’t just confined to entry-level positions; there are opportunities for everyone, from recent graduates to experienced professionals looking for executive roles. With companies of all sizes establishing themselves, job seekers have the freedom to explore careers in everything from startups to large, multinational corporations.
As businesses compete for a limited pool of skilled workers, job seekers in Kansas City are reaping the rewards of a more competitive market. Companies are not only offering higher wages but are also sweetening the deal with improved benefits packages, including health insurance, retirement plans, and even flexible work arrangements. The demand for talent gives job seekers leverage during salary negotiations, allowing them to secure better compensation and perks. This competitive landscape also encourages businesses to invest in creating work environments that attract and retain top talent.
Kansas City’s growing industries are also contributing to the professional development of the local workforce. Companies, particularly those in fast-evolving sectors like technology and logistics, are heavily investing in training and upskilling programs to keep their employees caught up with all the new innovations. Job seekers entering these industries can expect opportunities for continuous learning through professional certifications, workshops, and on-the-job training.
The ongoing expansion of Kansas City’s economy offers job seekers the stability that comes with working in a growing region. With investments pouring in across multiple sectors, the job market is less vulnerable to sudden economic downturns in any one industry. This diversification provides a layer of security for workers, as there are always opportunities in different fields. Job seekers can feel confident that the region’s economic momentum will contribute to long-term job security, reducing the risk of layoffs or downturns.
Kansas City’s relatively lower cost of living makes it an attractive option for job seekers looking to strike a balance between work and life. With affordable housing, transportation, and daily expenses, workers in Kansas City can enjoy a higher standard of living compared to other major metro areas without sacrificing a significant portion of their income to basic necessities.
Job seekers interested in entrepreneurship or working for smaller, more agile companies have plenty of opportunities to explore in this thriving ecosystem. The rise of new ventures contributes significantly to job creation, with roles available in areas like management, marketing, and customer service. The support for small businesses and entrepreneurial ventures in Kansas City makes it an ideal place for job seekers looking to be part of a dynamic, innovative environment where they can make a tangible impact.
Kansas City’s business market is set for growth, benefiting both employers and job seekers. Employers can capitalize on the city’s central location for logistics and distribution, access to skilled labor, and a very business-friendly environment. Job seekers will see increased opportunities in these expanding sectors, especially as businesses invest in innovation and automation. With ongoing infrastructure improvements and a focus on workforce development, Kansas City is expected to continue attracting top companies and talent, driving long-term economic success.
At Staffing By Starboard, our mission has always been to deliver top-tier staffing services across the Kansas City Metro Area. We have taken the time to understand the ins and outs of the local job market, allowing us to support businesses in finding the best talent and helping job seekers discover the perfect opportunity right here in the community. When you choose Starboard, you’re partnering with a business rooted in the same area, committed to providing personalized support every step of the way.
Yes, Kansas City is a great place to start a business. The cost of living and operating a business is lower compared to other major metro areas, which allows entrepreneurs to stretch their budgets further. Additionally, Kansas City has a growing talent pool, driven by its thriving industries like tech, healthcare, and logistics. The city also offers a strong support system for startups, with numerous business incubators, networking opportunities, and economic incentives aimed at fostering entrepreneurship.
Choosing between Kansas and Missouri to start a business depends on your specific needs. Missouri offers lower corporate taxes (4%) and access to a larger market, especially in cities like Kansas City and St. Louis, making it attractive for businesses with growth potential. Kansas, on the other hand, provides strong tax incentives and programs for new businesses, particularly in tech, agriculture, and manufacturing, along with slightly lower utility costs. Both states are business-friendly, but consider what benefits your business would get from each area.
Yes! Kansas City has a strong job market, making it an attractive place for job seekers. The city’s economy is diverse, with growing industries such as logistics, technology, healthcare, and manufacturing. Its central location has turned it into a major hub for transportation and distribution, creating many jobs in warehousing and supply chain management. Additionally, the tech sector is expanding, offering opportunities in software development, data analytics, and cybersecurity.
The federal government is the largest employer for Kansas City with over 20,000 employees. Besides the federal government here is a list of the next 15 largest employers in the Kansas City area.
| Organization Name | Industry | Employee Count |
|---|---|---|
| Children’s Mercy Hospital | Health Services | 8,382 |
| Cerner Corporation | Health Care Information Systems | 6,879 |
| Honeywell | Electronic & Mech. Weapons Components Manufacturing | 5,000 |
| Burns & McDonnell | Architecture, Engineering, & Construction | 5,000 |
| Saint Luke’s Health System | Health Services | 4,638 |
| Internal Revenue Service (IRS) | Government | 4,600 |
| City of Kansas City, MO | Government | 4,411 |
| Truman Medical Centers | Health Services | 3,579 |
| SS&C | Healthcare Information Management Services | 3,125 |
| Research Medical Center | Health Services | 2,496 |
| University of Missouri - Kansas City (UMKC) | Higher Education | 2,427 |
| Commerce Bank | Banking | 2,409 |
| Hallmark Cards | Greeting Card Manufacturer | 2,262 |
| Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City | Banking | 2,218 |
| Kansas City Public Schools | Public Education | 2,018 |
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