Lawrence vs Shawnee: Lawyer Salary (2026)
Compare lawyer salaries between Lawrence, KS and Shawnee, KS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lawrence, KS | Shawnee, KS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $107,914 | $148,137▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $51.88 | $71.22▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,698 | $85,919▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $88,032 | $106,659▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $149,606 | $189,615▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $206,029 | $229,612▲ |
| Total Employed | 140▲ | 11 |
Verdict
Shawnee, KS offers better overall compensation for lawyers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Lawrence.
The salary gap between Lawrence and Shawnee is $40,223 (37.27%). Shawnee's median is -11.39% compared to the US national median of $167,174.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lawrence spans $126,331,Shawnee spans $143,693. Shawnee has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced lawyers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Shawnee ($162,967 effective) pays 36.28% 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 Lawrence if…
- ✓Larger job market (140 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Choose Shawnee if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($148,137/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($229,612)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $162,967)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, lawyer salaries in Lawrence grew 9.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 35.3% growth in Shawnee over the same period.
Lawrence, KS
$93,980 (2019) → $103,070 (2025)
Shawnee, KS
$104,563 (2024) → $141,487 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lawrence, KS
Shawnee, 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