Lawrence vs Overland Park: Paralegal Salary (2026)
Compare paralegal salaries between Lawrence, KS and Overland Park, KS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lawrence, KS | Overland Park, KS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $54,374 | $60,140▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $26.14 | $28.91▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,044 | $40,394▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $43,495 | $46,044▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $64,497 | $76,726▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $65,097 | $93,218▲ |
| Total Employed | 110▲ | 29 |
Verdict
Overland Park, KS offers better overall compensation for paralegals, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Lawrence.
The salary gap between Lawrence and Overland Park is $5,766 (10.60%). Overland Park's median is -7.61% 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,Overland Park spans $52,824. Overland Park 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, Overland Park ($66,161 effective) pays 9.80% more than Lawrence ($60,253 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 (110 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Choose Overland Park if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($60,140/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($93,218)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $66,161)
- ✓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 20.9% growth in Overland Park over the same period.
Lawrence, KS
$39,550 (2019) → $52,530 (2025)
Overland Park, KS
$48,040 (2024) → $58,101 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lawrence, KS
Overland Park, KS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays paralegals more: Lawrence or Overland Park?
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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