Lawrence vs Wichita: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Lawrence, KS and Wichita, KS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lawrence, KS | Wichita, KS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $65,957▲ | $63,748 |
| Hourly Rate | $31.71▲ | $30.64 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $55,281▲ | $53,167 |
| 25th Percentile | $62,120▲ | $55,968 |
| 75th Percentile | $74,508▲ | $68,293 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $81,632▲ | $80,681 |
| Total Employed | 150 | 1,690▲ |
Verdict
Lawrence, KS offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Wichita.
The salary gap between Lawrence and Wichita is $2,209 (3.47%). Lawrence's median is -3.11% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lawrence spans $26,351,Wichita spans $27,514. Wichita has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced licensed practical nurses.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Lawrence ($73,088 effective) pays 1.98% more than Wichita ($71,670 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lawrence if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($65,957/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($81,632)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $73,088)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Choose Wichita if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,690 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Lawrence grew 38.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 36.7% growth in Wichita over the same period.
Lawrence, KS
$45,000 (2019) → $62,400 (2025)
Wichita, KS
$44,120 (2019) → $60,310 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lawrence, KS
Wichita, KS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Lawrence or Wichita?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lawrence and Wichita?
Should I relocate from Lawrence to Wichita as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Lawrence vs Wichita?
Written by Aisha Malik, LPN
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience as a licensed practical nurse. She specializes in pediatric nursing. Aisha has worked in various outpatient clinics.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.70% 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 Aisha Malik, LPN, a licensed licensed practical nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov