Salary & Cost of Living in Lawrence, KS
Lawrence, KS: $40,937 median salary, cost of living index 90.5, $7.25/hr minimum wage. Calculate your take-home pay with our free paycheck calculator.
Median Salary
$40,937
$20/hr
Cost of Living
90.5
US avg = 100
Minimum Wage
$7.25
per hour
Unemployment
2.4%
rate
Lawrence, KS Overview
Population
94,934
Median Salary
$40,937
Average Salary
$45,849
Avg Commute
18 min
Median Home Price
$245,000
Median Rent
$1,027/mo
Job Growth
+2.9%
Sales Tax
6.5%
Lawrence is located in Kansas with a population of 94,934. The median household salary is $40,937 per year ($20/hour), which is $18,447 below the national median of $59,384. The average commute time is 18 minutes, and the city has a job growth rate of +2.9%.
Lawrence Paycheck Calculator
Enter your annual salary to see your estimated take-home pay in Lawrence, KS, after federal, state, and local taxes.
Estimated Annual Take-Home Pay
$32,598
$2,716.50/month · $1,253.77/biweekly · Effective Rate: 20.4%
Gross Pay
$40,937
Federal Tax
-$2,874
State Tax
-$2,333
Local Tax
$0
FICA
-$3,132
Net Pay
$32,598
Pay Breakdown
| Item | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Salary | $3,411.42 | $40,937.00 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$239.49 | -$2,873.94 |
| Kansas State Tax (5.7%) | -$194.45 | -$2,333.41 |
| Social Security (6.2%) | -$211.51 | -$2,538.09 |
| Medicare (1.45%) | -$49.47 | -$593.59 |
| Net Take-Home Pay | $2,716.50 | $32,597.97 |
Salary Comparison: Lawrence vs Other Cities
See how Lawrence's median salary and cost of living compare to the national average and similar cities.
| City | Median Salary | COL Index | Adj. Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lawrence, KS | $40,937 | 90.5 | $45,234 |
| National Average | $59,384 | 100 | $59,384 |
| Redding, CA | $40,933 | 105.8 | $38,689 |
| Melbourne, FL | $40,923 | 98.5 | $41,546 |
| Warner Robins, GA | $40,916 | 85.8 | $47,688 |
| West Palm Beach, FL | $40,969 | 112.5 | $36,417 |
Adjusted salary reflects purchasing power when cost of living is factored in. A higher adjusted salary means your money goes further.
Cost of Living in Lawrence
Lawrence's cost of living index is 90.5 (national average = 100). Living in Lawrence is 9.5% less expensive than the national average.
Median Home Price
$245,000
Median Monthly Rent
$1,027
Annual Rent Cost
$12,324
Your Salary's Purchasing Power
Your $32,598 annual take-home pay in Lawrence has the purchasing power of approximately $36,020 in an average-cost US area. Your $40,937 salary stretches further here than in most US cities.
Top Industries in Lawrence
Lawrence's economy is driven by these key industries. Workers in top industries often earn significantly above the median salary of $40,937.
Salary Tips for Lawrence Workers
- Maximize pre-tax deductions. With a 5.7% state income tax rate, maximizing 401(k) contributions (up to $23,500 in 2026) and HSA contributions can significantly reduce both your federal and state tax burden.
- Research top industries. Lawrence's top industries include Aviation, Agriculture, Healthcare. Targeting roles in these sectors can help you earn above the $40,937 median salary.
- Review your W-4 withholding. If you regularly receive large tax refunds, adjust your W-4 to increase your per-paycheck take-home pay instead of giving the government an interest-free loan.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median salary in Lawrence, KS?
The median salary in Lawrence, KS is $40,937 per year, or $20 per hour. The average salary is $45,849. This is $18,447 below the national median of $59,384.
What is the cost of living in Lawrence, KS?
Lawrence's cost of living index is 90.5 (national average = 100), meaning it is 9.5% less expensive compared to the national average. The median home price is $245,000 and the median monthly rent is $1,027.
What are the best industries in Lawrence?
The top industries in Lawrence, KS include Aviation, Agriculture, Healthcare. The city has a job growth rate of 2.9% and an unemployment rate of 2.4%. Workers in these industries often earn above the city's median salary of $40,937.
How does Lawrence's salary compare to other cities?
Lawrence's median salary of $40,937 is 31.1% below the national median of $59,384. However, when adjusted for cost of living (index: 90.5), the real purchasing power is approximately $45,234.
What is the minimum wage in Lawrence, KS?
The minimum wage in Lawrence, KS is $7.25 per hour. This equals approximately $15,080 per year for a full-time worker (40 hours/week). This matches the federal minimum wage of $7.25/hour.