Senior Nurse Practitioner Salary in Lawrence, KS: $157,161 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of nurse practitioners working in Lawrence, KS — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $157,161/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1171. Strip back Lawrence's price premium (BEA RPP 90.2, 10% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $174,153 in average-cost America. The 20% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, Lawrence, Kansas, offers a robust compensation framework for experienced nurse practitioners, with top-tier salaries reaching up to $157,161. This figure reflects a substantial gap compared to the median salary of $131,019, illustrating the financial incentive for advanced practice nurses who attain extensive experience and specialization. To achieve such salaries, nurse practitioners often pursue advanced credentials, gain specialized skills, and leverage their expertise in high-demand areas of healthcare. With a competitive environment in Lawrence, those who build strong professional networks and consistently engage in continuing education are more likely to reach these pinnacle earnings, reinforcing the value of experience and specialization in the local job market.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lawrence
Experienced nurse practitioners at the top of the pay scale in Lawrence earn between $131,164 and $157,161 per year (2026 est.). This $54,983 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Lawrence median of $131,019 sits 4.27% below the US median.
Top NP Salary Comparison
| Level | Lawrence | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $131,019 | $136,864 |
| 75th Percentile | $131,164 | $162,106 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $157,161 | $180,437 |
In Lawrence, experienced nurse practitioners (P90) earn 19.95% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Nurse Practitioner Pay in Lawrence
Advanced Certifications in Kansas
KS nurse practitioners with additional specialty certifications within the advanced practice nursing field earn significantly above the $131,019 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Lawrence employers.
Specialty Focus
Nurse Practitioners focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the advanced practice nursing field in Lawrence command premium compensation, often reaching the $131,164–$157,161 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Lawrence metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced nurse practitioners who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured nurse practitioners in Lawrence with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Nurse Practitioners in Kansas who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Nurse Practitioner Career & Wage Growth Path in Lawrence
Clinical Nurse Practitioner
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Nurse Practitioner
5-10 yearsNurse Practitioner Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedLawrence ranks #10 of 22 Kansas cities for top earner nurse practitioner salary (90th percentile: $157,161).
Top 10% nurse practitioner compensation in Lawrence ($157,161) is 1.17% below the Kansas average P90 ($159,022).
2019 BLS Actual
$123,720
2025 BLS Actual
$151,920
2026 Current Est.
$157,161
2019–2027 Growth
+31.4%
Salary Trajectory for Nurse Practitioners in Lawrence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.45% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $123,720 | Actual |
| 2020 | $125,740 | Actual |
| 2021 | $121,020 | Actual |
| 2022 | $121,640 | Actual |
| 2023 | $129,320 | Actual |
| 2024 | $134,520 | Actual |
| 2025 | $151,920 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $157,161 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $162,583 | Projected |
Top-earning nurse practitioners (90th percentile) in Lawrence saw their compensation grow 22.8% from $123,720 in 2019 to $151,920 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 3.45% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $162,583 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lawrence 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 3.45% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Maximizing Your Nurse Practitioner Earnings in Lawrence
Senior-level nurse practitioners in Lawrence can significantly boost their earnings through specialization, particularly in acute care, psychiatric mental health, and pediatric primary care. Each of these fields commands a premium in salary typically linked to the high demand for expertise. Additionally, compensation varies across employer types; nurse practitioners in hospital outpatient clinics or specialty practices generally earn more than those in primary care or retail clinic settings. Opportunities for advancement also abound; experienced practitioners can step into roles such as clinical practice manager or telehealth platform medical director. Higher credentials such as an active RN license, DNP, and national certifications from ANCC or AANP can further enhance earning potential, particularly in states with full-practice authority. Non-salary compensation, like productivity bonuses and telehealth opportunities, adds further layers of financial growth in this dynamic field in KS.
More salary data for Lawrence, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced nurse practitioners make in Lawrence in 2026?
What drives higher nurse practitioner pay in Lawrence?
What certifications boost nurse practitioner salary in Lawrence?
Can experienced nurse practitioners make six figures in Lawrence?
How much does nurse practitioner salary increase over time in Lawrence?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $151,920 for nurse practitioners in the Lawrence metro area. A 3.45% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical 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 3.45%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for nurse practitioners (SOC 29-1171).
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