KC Location Advantages
Abundant Workforce
KC is a strong market for talent, employing over 18,000 in architectural and engineering services which is 54% more concentrated than the national average. KC is a top five largest concentrations of architecture and engineering employment in the U.S.
STEM Commitment
There is an unprecedented commitment (both public and private) to expand education programs in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math. This includes education and training programs at all levels—from elementary to post-secondary.
Post-Secondary Workforce Pipeline
KC has a depth of talent in engineering and architecture, with more than 5,000 degrees awarded in architecture and engineering from major universities within a 4-hour drive radius. In fact, 16% of all 4-year degrees awarded in the region are in architecture and engineering when the national average is 5%.
Education & Training
Architecture and Engineering industry leaders, education and training providers, and the public workforce system are working together to assess critical hiring needs and the core competencies necessary to fill open positions. This is creating leading-edge education and training programs specifically designed to meet industry’s most pressing needs. For more information visit the Education/Training Overview page.
Operating Environment
Some of the most recognizable names in architecture and engineering call KC home including Bartlett & West, Black & Veatch, BNIM, Burns & McDonnell, CRB, GBA, Henderson Engineers, HNTB, JE Dunn, McCown Gordon, Populous, Shafer, Kline & Warren, Terracon and TranSystem. The common thread connecting each of these companies in KC has been the excellent value each derived from a talented and deep workforce to have global impact by exporting top-notch design services and product engineering. See what companies have an existing presences in the KC region.
Momentum
In the last 10+ years, employment in architecture and engineering services grew by 24 percent in the Kansas City metro, compared to only 9 percent for the U.S.
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