Derby vs Olathe: Paralegal Salary (2026)
Compare paralegal salaries between Derby, KS and Olathe, KS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Derby, KS | Olathe, KS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $58,351 | $59,375▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $28.05 | $28.55▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,205 | $43,345▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $46,544 | $48,082▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $73,307 | $74,828▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $90,444 | $92,032▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 33▲ |
Verdict
Olathe, KS offers better overall compensation for paralegals, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Derby.
The salary gap between Derby and Olathe is $1,024 (1.75%). Olathe's median is -8.79% compared to the US national median of $65,097.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Derby spans $48,239,Olathe spans $48,687. Olathe has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced paralegals.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Olathe ($65,319 effective) pays 1.75% more than Derby ($64,193 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Derby if…
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Choose Olathe if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($59,375/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($92,032)
- ✓Larger job market (33 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $65,319)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, paralegal salaries in Derby grew 20.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 20.9% growth in Olathe over the same period.
Derby, KS
$46,611 (2024) → $56,372 (2025)
Olathe, KS
$47,429 (2024) → $57,362 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Olathe, KS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays paralegals more: Derby or Olathe?
What is the hourly rate difference between Derby and Olathe?
Should I relocate from Derby to Olathe as a paralegal?
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Written by Jessica Tran, JD
Career Analyst
Jessica Tran has 10 years of experience in paralegal studies. She specializes in corporate law and works with a law firm. She trains new paralegals in legal research and documentation.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.51% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jessica Tran, JD, a licensed paralegal with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov