Lawrence vs Wichita: Paralegal Salary (2026)
Compare paralegal salaries between Lawrence, KS and Wichita, KS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lawrence, KS | Wichita, KS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $54,374▲ | $52,003 |
| Hourly Rate | $26.14▲ | $25.00 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,044 | $39,127▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $43,495 | $48,650▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $64,497▲ | $63,038 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $65,097 | $77,394▲ |
| Total Employed | 110 | 480▲ |
Verdict
Lawrence and Wichita are closely matched on overall paralegal compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Lawrence and Wichita is $2,371 (4.56%). Lawrence's median is -16.47% compared to the US national median of $65,097.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lawrence spans $26,053,Wichita spans $38,267. Wichita 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, Lawrence ($60,253 effective) pays 3.06% more than Wichita ($58,466 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lawrence if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($54,374/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $60,253)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Choose Wichita if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($77,394)
- ✓Larger job market (480 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, paralegal salaries in Lawrence grew 32.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 12.0% growth in Wichita over the same period.
Lawrence, KS
$39,550 (2019) → $52,530 (2025)
Wichita, KS
$44,850 (2019) → $50,240 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lawrence, KS
Wichita, KS
Frequently Asked Questions
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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