Here is a comprehensive career guide for Marketing Managers considering a move to Lawrence, Kansas.

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Career Guide: Marketing Manager in Lawrence, KS

As a career analyst who has spent years dissecting the job market in the Sunflower State, I can tell you that Lawrence offers a unique proposition. It’s a university town with the cultural vibrancy of a coastal city, but the cost of living and pace of life are firmly rooted in the Midwest. For a Marketing Manager, this means a high quality of life paired with a surprisingly competitive professional landscape, largely driven by the University of Kansas (KU) and a thriving local business scene. Let’s break down the data and the reality.

The Salary Picture: Where Lawrence Stands

First, the numbers. Marketing Managers in Lawrence earn a median salary that punches well above the local cost of living. It's important to understand that this figure reflects the broader metro area, which includes the surrounding Douglas County communities. The presence of KU and a growing healthcare system elevates the pay scale for management roles.

The median salary for a Marketing Manager in Lawrence is $153,364/year, translating to an hourly rate of $73.73/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $157,620/year, but given Lawrence's cost of living index of 91.0 (where the U.S. average is 100), that salary goes significantly further here than it would in a major coastal metro.

The job market is small but stable. There are approximately 192 jobs for this role in the metro, with a 10-year job growth of 8%. This isn't explosive growth, but it indicates steady demand, particularly from the healthcare and education sectors.

Experience-Level Breakdown

While the median is a useful benchmark, your salary will vary based on experience.

Experience Level	Estimated Salary Range (Lawrence)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level	$65,000 - $85,000	Campaign execution, social media management, content creation, assisting with market research.
Mid-Level	$85,000 - $125,000	Managing a small team, developing strategies, overseeing budgets, analytics and reporting, client-facing work.
Senior-Level	$125,000 - $165,000	Leading a department, strategic planning, brand management, high-level stakeholder collaboration, P&L responsibility.
Expert/Corporate	$165,000+	C-suite strategic roles, regional leadership, consulting, or leading marketing for a major multi-location business.

Comparison to Other Kansas Cities

Lawrence is not the highest-paying city in Kansas, but its balance of salary and affordability is compelling.

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index	Key Industries
Lawrence	$153,364	91.0	Education, Healthcare, Local Business
Kansas City, MO	$158,400	94.5	Corporate HQs, Tech, Logistics
Wichita	$142,100	88.2	Aerospace, Manufacturing
Topeka	$138,750	89.5	State Government, Healthcare

Note: Salary figures for other cities are estimated for comparison based on BLS data; the Lawrence figure is your provided median.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A six-figure salary in Lawrence provides significant financial comfort. Let's break down a sample monthly budget for a Marketing Manager earning the median salary of $153,364.

Assumptions:

• Tax Estimate: 25-30% for federal, state, and FICA (varies by deductions).
• Rent: The average 1-bedroom rent is $869/month. We'll use $1,100 to account for a nicer or larger unit in a desirable area.
• Savings/Investments: 15-20% of income.

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

Category	Estimated Cost	Details
Gross Monthly Income	$12,780	Based on $153,364 annual salary.
Take-Home (After ~28% Tax)	~$9,200	This is a conservative estimate; actual take-home may be higher with deductions.
Rent (1-2BR in nice area)	$1,100 - $1,400	Well below national averages.
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet)	$200 - $250	Kansas winters can mean higher heating bills.
Groceries & Dining	$600 - $800	Lawrence has excellent local restaurants and farmers' markets.
Car Payment/Gas/Insurance	$500 - $700	Car is essential; public transport is limited.
Healthcare & Insurance	$300 - $500	Often partially covered by employers.
Savings & Investments	$1,500 - $2,000	15-20% is a strong savings rate.
Leisure & Miscellaneous	$500 - $800	Concerts, Jayhawks games, local breweries.
Remaining	$1,500+	Buffer for travel, debt, or additional savings.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?

Absolutely. This is one of Lawrence's biggest advantages. The median home price in Lawrence hovers around $280,000 - $320,000. With a $153,364 salary, a Marketing Manager can comfortably afford a mortgage on a home in this range, especially with a 20% down payment. The monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) would likely be in the $1,400 - $1,800 range, which is manageable on this income. Many professionals in Lawrence choose to buy, building equity in a stable housing market.

Where the Jobs Are: Lawrence's Major Employers

The job market for marketing roles is dominated by a few key sectors. Your best bets for stable, well-paying positions are with these employers:

1. The University of Kansas (KU): The largest employer in the region. KU has a massive marketing and communications department, including roles in admissions, alumni relations, the KU Medical Center (in nearby Kansas City, KS), and specific schools like the Business School. Hiring is year-round, with peaks in spring and summer.
2. LMH Health (Lawrence Memorial Hospital): The city's primary healthcare provider. They have a robust marketing and community outreach team. Demand for healthcare marketing is growing, with a focus on patient acquisition and community health education.
3. Douglas County Government & Local Municipalities: The county and city of Lawrence employ marketing managers for public information, tourism (Explore Lawrence), and community engagement initiatives. These roles are stable and come with excellent benefits.
4. Local Tech & Innovation Hubs: CivicPlus (a major gov-tech company) and Sprint (now T-Mobile, though corporate is in Lenexa) have a presence. While not HQ’d in Lawrence, they have local teams and satellite offices that hire marketing talent. Percolate (a local marketing technology firm) is another key player.
5. Major Retailers with Local HQs: Best Buy's corporate headquarters is in nearby Richfield, MN, but their massive customer care and marketing operations in the Midwest include the Lawrence area. They are a major source of mid-to-senior marketing jobs.
6. Local Agencies & Boutique Firms: Lawrence has a vibrant scene of creative and digital marketing agencies (e.g., Mighty Oaks Marketing, The Brand Consultancy). These are perfect for those who prefer agency life, offering diverse client work and a collaborative environment.

Hiring Trends: There is a growing need for digital marketing expertise, especially in SEO, content strategy, and data analytics. Employers are looking for marketers who can prove ROI. The university and healthcare sectors are always hiring, while the local agency scene is competitive but dynamic.

Getting Licensed in KS

For Marketing Managers, you do not need a state-specific license to practice. Marketing is not a licensed profession like law, medicine, or real estate. However, there are important certifications and legal considerations for operating a business or using specific titles.

• Professional Certifications (Highly Recommended): While not state-required, employers value certifications from reputable bodies. Consider:
  • Google Ads & Analytics Certifications: Free and industry-standard.
  • HubSpot Inbound Marketing Certification: Free and widely respected.
  • American Marketing Association (AMA) Professional Certified Marketer (PCM): A more rigorous, paid credential.
• Business Licensing: If you plan to start your own freelance consulting business or agency, you will need to register with the Kansas Secretary of State. You'll also need to obtain a Business Tax ID from the Kansas Department of Revenue. The process is straightforward and can be done online for a nominal fee (under $100).
• Timeline to Get Started: There is no "licensing timeline." You can start applying for jobs immediately. For a new business, registration can be completed in 1-2 weeks.

Best Neighborhoods for Marketing Managers

Choosing where to live in Lawrence depends on your lifestyle—whether you prefer walkability, quiet suburbs, or a bustling college vibe.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Rent Estimate (1-2BR)	Best For
Downtown / East Lawrence	Historic, artsy, walkable to Mass St. (main drag). Commute is bike or walk for many.	$900 - $1,400	Young professionals, those who want nightlife and culture at their doorstep.
South Lawrence (Wakarusa)	Suburban, family-friendly. Larger homes, good schools. 10-15 minute drive to downtown.	$950 - $1,500	Those wanting more space, a quieter environment, or a family.
North Lawrence	More rural, affordable, with a small-town feel. 10-15 minute commute.	$750 - $1,200	Budget-conscious buyers/renters who don't mind a short drive.
West Lawrence	Established, middle-class neighborhoods. Mix of rentals and single-family homes. Easy access to I-70.	$850 - $1,300	A balanced option for those who want a residential feel without being too far from amenities.
Hyde Park	Historic district near KU. Beautiful homes, tree-lined streets, close to campus.	$1,000 - $1,600	Those who love historic charm and want to be near university events.

Insider Tip: If you don't have a car, Downtown or East Lawrence are your only real options. The public bus system (Lawrence Transit) is decent but doesn't cover the entire city efficiently. Most marketing jobs are in or near downtown, making these neighborhoods ideal for minimizing commute.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Lawrence is excellent for building a sustainable career, but it may require strategic moves to reach the highest tiers.

• Specialty Premiums: The biggest salary jumps come from specializations. Digital Marketing Managers with expertise in marketing automation (HubSpot, Marketo) and data analytics can command a 10-15% premium. Healthcare Marketing Managers also earn a premium due to the complexity and regulations of the industry.
• Advancement Paths: The typical path is from a coordinator role at a local agency or KU to a manager position at a larger organization (like LMH Health). The next step is often a Director of Marketing role, which is available at many of the major employers listed. For the ultimate career growth, many Lawrence professionals make the 45-minute commute to Kansas City, MO, which opens up corporate headquarters (Cerner, Garmin, Hallmark, etc.) and significantly higher top-end salaries ($180K+).
• 10-Year Outlook: With 8% job growth, the market is stable. The demand will be for marketers who can blend traditional brand management with digital execution. The rise of remote work also allows Lawrence-based marketers to compete for national roles, bringing big-city salaries into a low-cost-of-living area. By 2034, expect a greater emphasis on AI-driven personalization and omnichannel strategy, skills you should cultivate now.

The Verdict: Is Lawrence Right for You?

Pros	Cons
High Purchasing Power: A $153,364 salary goes very far in a city with an 89 Cost of Living Index.	Limited Senior Roles: The pool of Director and VP-level marketing jobs is small. You may need to commute to KC for the top rungs.
Vibrant Culture: World-class music (Bottleneck, Liberty Hall), arts, and Jayhawks sports provide a rich social life.	Relatively Small Job Market: With only ~192 jobs, competition for openings can be fierce.
Ideal for Homeowners: The housing market is accessible, allowing you to build equity early.	Car Dependent: Unless you live downtown, you'll need a car for daily life.
Strong Community: A tight-knit professional network makes networking and collaboration easy.	College Town Dynamics: The population swells with students, which can affect housing and traffic in certain areas.

Final Recommendation: Lawrence is an excellent choice for Marketing Managers in the mid-to-senior level who value quality of life, affordability, and a strong sense of community. It's perfect for those looking to buy a home, build a family, and enjoy a culturally rich environment without the stress of a major metropolis. It may not be the best fit for someone solely chasing the absolute maximum salary or a C-suite title at a Fortune 500 company, unless they are willing to commute or work remotely for a national firm.

FAQs

1. Is the University of Kansas the only place for marketing jobs?
No, but it is the biggest. The healthcare sector (LMH Health), local government, and a growing number of tech and digital agencies provide significant opportunities. Many marketers also work for companies based in nearby Kansas City but live in Lawrence for the lifestyle.

2. How competitive is the job market for marketing roles?
It's competitive but not cutthroat. With only 192 jobs in the metro, you need a strong, tailored application. Networking is key. Join the local AMA chapter and attend KU alumni events. Knowing someone inside a target organization (like KU or LMH) can be a major advantage.

3. Can I work remotely for a company outside Lawrence?
Yes, this is increasingly common and can be a huge financial advantage. You can earn a salary based on a higher-cost metro while living in Lawrence. Ensure you understand the company's remote work policies and any tax implications for interstate work.

4. What's the best way to network in Lawrence's marketing scene?
The American Marketing Association (AMA) - Kansas City Chapter is very active and includes Lawrence professionals. Also, follow local organizations like The Lawrence Chamber of Commerce and The Downtown Lawrence Business Alliance. Many networking events are held at venues on Mass Street or in the Warehouse Arts District.

5. What's a typical career trajectory here?
A common path starts with a Marketing Coordinator role at a small agency or KU. After 2-3 years, you might move to a Marketing Manager position at a larger local employer like LMH Health. From there, you could aim for a Senior Manager or Director role, either in Lawrence or, for higher pay, in Kansas City. Many professionals also leverage their Lawrence experience to land remote roles with national companies.