Paralegal Salary

Leavenworth vs Topeka: Paralegal Salary (2026)

Compare paralegal salaries between Leavenworth, KS and Topeka, KS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Leavenworth, KS
$57,869
$27.82/hr
Topeka, KS
$52,117
$25.06/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricLeavenworth, KSTopeka, KS
Median Salary$57,869$52,117
Hourly Rate$27.82$25.06
Entry Level (P10)$40,811$39,096
25th Percentile$45,568$46,880
75th Percentile$72,128$61,237
Top Earner (P90)$89,698$76,949
Total Employed8350
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Leavenworth ($57,869) and Topeka ($52,117) paralegal salaries.LeavenworthTopekaMedian Salary$57,869$52,117Entry Level (P10)$40,811$39,096Top Earner (P90)$89,698$76,949US Median $65,097

Verdict

Leavenworth, KS offers better overall compensation for paralegals, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Topeka.

The salary gap between Leavenworth and Topeka is $5,752 (11.04%). Leavenworth's median is -11.10% compared to the US national median of $65,097.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Leavenworth spans $48,887,Topeka spans $37,853. Leavenworth has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Leavenworth
P10 (Entry)$40,811
P25$45,568
Median$57,869
P75$72,128
P90 (Top)$89,698
Topeka
P10 (Entry)$39,096
P25$46,880
Median$52,117
P75$61,237
P90 (Top)$76,949

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Leavenworth ($63,662 effective) pays 8.50% more than Topeka ($58,677 effective).

Leavenworth
Nominal: $57,869
CoL Index: 90.9
Adjusted: $63,662
Topeka
Nominal: $52,117
CoL Index: 88.82
Adjusted: $58,677

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Leavenworth if…

  • Higher median salary ($57,869/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($89,698)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $63,662)
  • You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle

Choose Topeka if…

  • Larger job market (350 employed)
  • You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, paralegal salaries in Leavenworth grew 20.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 24.9% growth in Topeka over the same period.

Leavenworth, KS

+20.9%

$46,226 (2024) → $55,907 (2025)

Topeka, KS

+24.9%

$40,300 (2019) → $50,350 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays paralegals more: Leavenworth or Topeka?

Leavenworth has a higher median paralegal salary at $57,869/year, compared to Topeka at $52,117/year — a difference of $5,752 (11.04%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Leavenworth and Topeka?

Leavenworth paralegals earn $27.82/hr while Topeka hygienists earn $25.06/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Leavenworth to Topeka as a paralegal?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Leavenworth and Topeka. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Leavenworth = $63,662, Topeka = $58,677), job availability (8 vs 350 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level paralegals earn in Leavenworth vs Topeka?

Entry-level (10th percentile) paralegals earn $40,811 in Leavenworth and $39,096 in Topeka. The Leavenworth area offers higher starting salaries.
JT

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.

Clinically reviewed by Michael Garcia, CLAData verified by Ayesha Khan, CP

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