KCTC Research Shows Regional Growth in Tech-Related Businesses, Job Opportunities, Economic Impact
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (Oct. 6, 2025) – KC Tech Council (KCTC) has released KC Tech Specs v.08, a comprehensive annual report and update on the local region's tech landscape. This data-driven resource provides a consolidated view of tech-based momentum, market demand, economic impact, and workforce opportunities and standing for Missouri and Kansas and, more specifically, the Kansas City metro area. KC Tech Specs v.08 reveals a healthy and encouraging status with expanding opportunities in the bistate business community. Together, Kansas and Missouri saw a combined 10.3% increase in tech job postings and 4.1% growth in tech businesses from 2023-2025, accounting for more than 225,000 current technology professionals across various industries.
The tech sector contributes an estimated $12.4 billion to the two states’ combined $35.5 billion economic impact.
“This two-state region presents technology leaders with a compelling environment for steady growth, a well-established and talented workforce, and a mature business ecosystem,” the report says, adding that a competitive cost of living compared to other metros continues to specifically benefit the Kansas City metro area, which ranks as the second-most cost-effective market for technology employment.
With nearly 75,000 tech professionals accounting for 6.9% of the work force, Kansas City continues to grow a reputation as a rapidly ascending tech marketplace while driving significant local economic impact, outperforming many larger markets. The tech sector accounted for a robust 9% of the local Kansas City economy in 2023, outperforming markets like Chicago, Indianapolis, Nashville and St. Louis.
The increase in local job postings for tech jobs also reinforces the “critical need to expand and explore nontraditional talent sourcing strategies to develop, attract, grow and retain talent,” the report says. A substantial majority of the metro area's tech workers (60%-70%) are young or mid-tier professionals, and total tech jobs in Kansas City actually went down from May 2024 to May 2025, mirroring a larger trend of decreased employment in all industry sectors.
However, the number of opportunities in technology combined with KCTC’s resolve to find solutions in a tightened labor market create the overall optimism around the report.
“The data suggests Kansas City is entering a growth phase that could further its position as a top-tier tech market within the current business cycle,” KCTC President & CEO Kara Lowe said in the report. “The combination of economic stability, depth and skill of talent, and operational efficiency creates conditions for companies to grow and succeed. Kansas City’s strength has always come from the ingenuity, resilience and vision of its people. In a rapidly evolving industry, that spirit is our constant advantage. Together, we’re not only growing Kansas City’s tech economy — we’re shaping its future.”
KC Tech Council partnered with RSM US LLP to assemble the Tech Specs report with data from sources including CompTIA, JobsEQ, customized analytics from RSM US LLP and more. The report is designed for the tech community, businesses, educators, lawmakers, civic leaders and students, allowing them to compare the local tech market to other national sectors.
To access the full KC Tech Specs v.08 report, visit here.
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