Kansas City vs Lawrence: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Kansas City, KS and Lawrence, KS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Kansas City, KS | Lawrence, KS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $136,132▲ | $131,019 |
| Hourly Rate | $65.45▲ | $62.99 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $98,737 | $102,178▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $116,556 | $126,581▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $161,464▲ | $131,164 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $179,717▲ | $157,161 |
| Total Employed | 25 | 100▲ |
Verdict
Kansas City, KS offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Lawrence.
The salary gap between Kansas City and Lawrence is $5,113 (3.90%). Kansas City's median is -0.53% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Kansas City spans $80,980,Lawrence spans $54,983. Kansas City 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, Kansas City ($149,760 effective) pays 3.15% more than Lawrence ($145,185 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Kansas City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($136,132/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($179,717)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $149,760)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Choose Lawrence if…
- ✓Larger job market (100 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Kansas City grew 21.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 26.9% growth in Lawrence over the same period.
Kansas City, KS
$108,100 (2024) → $131,592 (2025)
Lawrence, KS
$99,830 (2019) → $126,650 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Kansas City, KS
Lawrence, KS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Kansas City or Lawrence?
What is the hourly rate difference between Kansas City and Lawrence?
Should I relocate from Kansas City to Lawrence as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Kansas City vs Lawrence?
Written by Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience in adult healthcare. She works in a community health clinic. Her specialty is chronic disease management.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.45% 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 Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C, a licensed nurse practitioner with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov