Emporia vs Lawrence: Lawyer Salary (2026)
Compare lawyer salaries between Emporia, KS and Lawrence, KS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Emporia, KS | Lawrence, KS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $140,290▲ | $107,914 |
| Hourly Rate | $67.45▲ | $51.88 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,368▲ | $79,698 |
| 25th Percentile | $101,008▲ | $88,032 |
| 75th Percentile | $179,571▲ | $149,606 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $217,449▲ | $206,029 |
| Total Employed | 5 | 140▲ |
Verdict
Emporia, KS offers better overall compensation for lawyers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Lawrence.
The salary gap between Emporia and Lawrence is $32,376 (30.00%). Emporia's median is -16.08% compared to the US national median of $167,174.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Emporia spans $136,081,Lawrence spans $126,331. Emporia has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Emporia ($154,334 effective) pays 29.06% more than Lawrence ($119,582 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Emporia if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($140,290/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($217,449)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $154,334)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Choose Lawrence if…
- ✓Larger job market (140 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, lawyer salaries in Emporia grew 35.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 9.7% growth in Lawrence over the same period.
Emporia, KS
$99,024 (2024) → $133,992 (2025)
Lawrence, KS
$93,980 (2019) → $103,070 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Emporia, KS
Lawrence, KS
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Alexandra Chen, JD
Career Analyst
Alexandra has 10 years of experience in corporate law. She specializes in mergers and acquisitions. Alexandra works at a mid-sized law firm in New York City.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.70% 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 Alexandra Chen, JD, a licensed lawyer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov