Paralegal Salary in Kansas: $53,252 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across Kansas's 22 metropolitan areas, the average median paralegal pay sits at $53,252/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 23-2011. Because Kansas sits at BEA RPP 90.9 (9% below the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $58,583 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Kansas City ($64,286), Overland Park ($58,101), Olathe ($57,362).
In 2026, the average median salary for paralegals in Kansas is projected to be $53,253, significantly lower than the national median of $65,097, representing an 18.2% gap. Kansas City offers the highest salary at $66,542, while Manhattan presents the lowest at $49,571. This disparity can be attributed to several factors, including the cost of living, demand for legal services, and the presence of legal firms in metropolitan areas. Kansas has specific licensing requirements and regulations that shape the paralegal profession. While there are no state-mandated certifications for paralegals, voluntary certification and experience can enhance job prospects. The projected growth rate for paralegal positions in the state is 3.51% annually, indicating a steady demand for skilled professionals in the field. The job market for paralegals in Kansas is influenced by regional economic conditions, population growth, and changes in legal practices, contributing to the overall outlook. Major cities like Kansas City and Overland Park are seeing significant activity, with salaries reflecting the demand in those areas. Understanding these dynamics can help prospective paralegals navigate their career paths effectively.
Kansas Paralegal Salary Range
Overall salary range in Kansas: $37,636 (lowest entry-level) to $103,140 (highest top earner)
Kansas vs National Average
Kansas paralegals earn 18.2% less than the national median ($-11,845/year difference).
Kansas Paralegal Salary Distribution (2026)
Paralegal salaries in Kansas range from $39,586 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $78,300 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $53,252. The Kansas median is $11,845 below the US national median of $65,097. The average hourly rate is $25.60/hr. Approximately 1,201 paralegals are employed across 22 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$43,001
2025 BLS Actual
$51,447
2026 Current Est.
$53,252
2019–2027 Growth
+28.2%
Salary Trajectory for Paralegals in Kansas (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.51% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43,001 | Actual |
| 2020 | $43,776 | Actual |
| 2021 | $45,490 | Actual |
| 2022 | $48,036 | Actual |
| 2023 | $46,008 | Actual |
| 2024 | $46,491 | Actual |
| 2025 | $51,447 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $53,252 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $55,121 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Kansas metropolitan area, the median paralegal salary grew 19.6% from $43,001 (2019) to $51,447 (2025). At a 3.51% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $55,121 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,120 (28.19%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kansas metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.51% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Top 5 Highest Paying Cities in Kansas
Lowest Paying Cities in Kansas
Best Value Cities for Paralegals in Kansas
When adjusted for local cost of living, these Kansas cities offer the most purchasing power for paralegals.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kansas City | $66,542 | 90.9 | $73,204 |
| Overland Park | $60,140 | 90.9 | $66,161 |
| Olathe | $59,375 | 90.9 | $65,319 |
| Lenexa | $59,230 | 90.9 | $65,160 |
| Garden City | $58,645 | 90.9 | $64,516 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in Kansas
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $39,586 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $53,252 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $78,300 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across Kansas metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 22 Cities in Kansas
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kansas City | $66,542 |
| 2 | Overland Park | $60,140 |
| 3 | Olathe | $59,375 |
| 4 | Lenexa | $59,230 |
| 5 | Garden City | $58,645 |
| 6 | Derby | $58,351 |
| 7 | Hutchinson | $57,887 |
| 8 | Leavenworth | $57,869 |
| 9 | Shawnee | $57,684 |
| 10 | Salina | $57,259 |
| 11 | Leawood | $56,942 |
| 12 | Dodge City | $55,981 |
| 13 | Junction City | $55,803 |
| 14 | Prairie Village | $55,567 |
| 15 | Hays | $55,403 |
| 16 | Liberal | $55,189 |
| 17 | Gardner | $54,874 |
| 18 | Emporia | $54,628 |
| 19 | Lawrence | $54,374 |
| 20 | Topeka | $52,117 |
| 21 | Wichita | $52,003 |
| 22 | Manhattan | $49,571 |
More Kansas Salary Data
Senior / Experienced
Top earner salaries for experienced paralegals.
Explore More Paralegal Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do paralegals make in Kansas in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for paralegals in Kansas?
How does Kansas paralegal pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level paralegal salary in Kansas?
How many paralegals are employed in Kansas?
Which Kansas city offers the best value for paralegals?
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
Statewide salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 3.51% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to each metro area's reported salary to estimate current 2026 paralegal compensation across Kansas. State averages are employment-weighted across 22 metro areas — larger metro areas with more paralegalscontribute proportionally more to the average, producing figures that better reflect typical compensation. Individual pay varies by city, employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.51%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for paralegals (SOC 23-2011).
Compiled and verified by Jessica Tran, JD, a licensed paralegal with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov