Emporia vs Lawrence: Paralegal Salary (2026)
Compare paralegal 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 | $54,628▲ | $54,374 |
| Hourly Rate | $26.26▲ | $26.14 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,218▲ | $39,044 |
| 25th Percentile | $45,315▲ | $43,495 |
| 75th Percentile | $68,628▲ | $64,497 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $84,154▲ | $65,097 |
| Total Employed | 5 | 110▲ |
Verdict
Emporia, KS offers better overall compensation for paralegals, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Lawrence.
The salary gap between Emporia and Lawrence is $254 (0.47%). Emporia's median is -16.08% compared to the US national median of $65,097.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Emporia spans $41,936,Lawrence spans $26,053. 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, Lawrence ($60,253 effective) pays 0.26% more than Emporia ($60,097 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 ($54,628/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($84,154)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Choose Lawrence if…
- ✓Larger job market (110 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $60,253)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, paralegal salaries in Emporia grew 20.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 32.8% growth in Lawrence over the same period.
Emporia, KS
$43,637 (2024) → $52,776 (2025)
Lawrence, KS
$39,550 (2019) → $52,530 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Emporia, KS
Lawrence, KS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays paralegals more: Emporia or Lawrence?
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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