Project Manager in Lawrence, KS

The Salary Picture: Where Lawrence Stands

If you're a Project Manager (PM) eyeing Lawrence, KS, the first question is always about the paycheck. Let's cut to the data-driven chase. The median salary for a Project Manager in Lawrence is $98,545 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $47.38. This figure is a solid local benchmark, sitting slightly below the national average of $101,280. The job market here is defined by quality over quantity; there are approximately 192 Project Manager positions in the metro area. While the 10-year job growth projection is a modest 6%, this reflects a stable, established market rather than a boom-or-bust cycle. It's a place for PMs who value consistency and a manageable cost of living.

Salary, of course, isn't one-size-fits-all. Experience, industry, and company size are the major levers. Here's a realistic breakdown of what you can expect at different career stages in the Lawrence market.

Experience Level	Typical Years of Experience	Lawrence Salary Range (Annual)	Notes for the Local Market
Entry-Level PM	0-3 years	$75,000 - $85,000	Often found in smaller local firms, university support roles, or entry-level positions at the larger employers. Requires a CAPM or foundational agile certification.
Mid-Level PM	3-7 years	$95,000 - $115,000	This is where the median ($98,545) sits. You'll find these roles at major employers, managing larger projects. PMP or strong Scrum Master credentials are key.
Senior PM	7-12 years	$115,000 - $135,000	Typically leads complex projects or small teams. Often found at Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center, or senior roles at KU or regional healthcare systems.
Expert/Program Manager	12+ years	$135,000+	Oversees multiple projects or strategic initiatives. Highest salaries are at the University of Kansas, major health systems, or in IT project management for local tech firms.

How does this compare to other Kansas cities? Lawrence's median of $98,545 is competitive within the state. It tracks closely with the Wichita metro area but generally falls short of the Kansas City metro, where PM salaries can push well into the six figures due to a denser concentration of corporate headquarters. However, when you factor in Lawrence's significantly lower cost of living (more on that later), the effective purchasing power is often comparable or even better than in larger, more expensive metros.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A $98,545 salary sounds great, but what does it mean for your monthly budget? Let's run the numbers for a single filer with no dependents, using standard 2023-2024 federal tax projections and local averages.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for a Mid-Level PM ($98,545/year):

• Gross Monthly Income: $8,212
• Estimated Deductions (30%): $2,464
  • Federal Tax: ~$1,500
  • State Tax (KS): ~$400
  • Social Security/Medicare: ~$564
• Net (Take-Home) Monthly Pay: $5,748

Now, let's layer on the cost of living. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Lawrence is $869/month. The city's Cost of Living Index is 91.0, meaning it's about 9% cheaper than the U.S. average.

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes & Local Context
Rent (1BR)	$869	This is the citywide average. Prices are higher near KU or downtown, lower in west Lawrence.
Utilities	$180	Includes electricity, gas, water, and internet. Winters can be cold; heating costs are a factor.
Groceries	$400	Comparable to national averages. The local farmers' market (May-October) is a great way to save.
Transportation	$250	Includes fuel and insurance. A car is essential in Lawrence; public transit (Lawrence Transit) is limited.
Healthcare	$300	Assumes employer-sponsored insurance. Co-pays and deductibles vary.
Misc/Entertainment	$800	Dining out, movies, hobbies. Lawrence has a vibrant food scene and arts culture.
Savings/Debt	$2,949	This is your discretionary income after all essential living expenses.

Can you afford to buy a home? Absolutely. With a take-home pay of $5,748 and housing costs under $900, you're in an excellent position. The median home price in Lawrence hovers around $275,000. With a 20% down payment ($55,000), a 30-year mortgage at ~7% interest would have a monthly payment (including taxes and insurance) of roughly $1,800. This is well within the recommended 28% of your gross monthly income ($8,212). The affordability is a major draw for PMs looking to build long-term equity.

Where the Jobs Are: Lawrence's Major Employers

Lawrence's job market for Project Managers is anchored by a few key sectors: education, healthcare, public sector, and tech. Unlike tech hubs, openings here are often posted on direct employer job boards rather than flashy platforms.

1. University of Kansas (KU): The largest employer in the region. KU hires PMs for facilities projects (like the new School of Business building), IT systems upgrades, research grants, and event planning. Hiring is cyclical, tied to the academic calendar and state funding. Insider Tip: Check the KU Medical Center (KUMC) in Kansas City for higher-paying health IT project roles that sometimes allow for a Lawrence commute.
2. LMH Health (Lawrence Memorial Hospital): The city's primary hospital and a Level III Trauma Center. They hire PMs for facility expansions, EHR (Electronic Health Record) implementations, and community health initiatives. The healthcare sector is a stable source of PM jobs, with continuous regulatory and technology-driven projects.
3. Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center: A major regional provider. They frequently hire PMs for program development, grant-funded initiatives, and IT systems related to patient care. This is a great niche for PMs with a passion for social impact projects.
4. City of Lawrence & Douglas County Government: Public sector projects are steady. PMs here manage infrastructure projects (road repairs, park renovations), public safety initiatives, and IT projects for municipal services. Job growth is slower but extremely stable, with excellent benefits.
5. Sprint (now T-Mobile): While much of their corporate presence has shifted, T-Mobile maintains a significant network operations and customer service facility in Lawrence (technically in the Turner area, a short commute). They hire IT and network project managers. Insider Tip: The tech scene is growing, with smaller firms like Verathread (digital marketing/tech) and VideaHealth (AI for dentistry) offering PM roles in agile environments.
6. Black & Veatch (Remote/Hybrid): While headquartered in the Kansas City metro, this global engineering firm has a significant presence in the region and hires Project Managers for infrastructure projects. Many roles offer hybrid schedules, making a Lawrence-based career feasible.
7. Hill's Pet Nutrition (Colgate-Palmolive): Located in Topeka (a 30-minute drive), Hill's is a major employer for PMs in manufacturing, supply chain, and R&D. It's a common commute for Lawrence residents seeking premium salaries.

Hiring Trends: The market is stable. The biggest hiring waves at KU and LMH align with their fiscal years (July) and budget approvals. Public sector jobs post in spring. For tech roles, follow local companies like VideaHealth and check the KU Innovation Park job board.

Getting Licensed in KS

Formal state licensing for Project Managers does not exist in Kansas, unlike fields like engineering or architecture. Your credential is your certification and experience. However, there are important steps to legitimize your practice.

• Professional Certifications (The Real "License"): The Project Management Professional (PMP) from the Project Management Institute (PMI) is the gold standard. It's globally recognized and expected for mid-to-senior roles at all major local employers. For agile environments, the Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) or PMI-ACP are highly valued.
• Costs: PMP Exam fee: ~$555 for non-PMI members, $405 for members (plus membership fee). CSM Exam: ~$995 (includes training). Study materials and prep courses can add $500-$2,000.
• Timeline: For a PMP, the process can take 3-6 months of study and application prep, plus a few weeks for exam scheduling. There are local PMI chapters (like PMI Kansas City) that offer study groups.
• State Business Registration: If you're going independent as a consultant, you'll need to register your business with the Kansas Secretary of State. Fees are minimal (around $100-$165 for an LLC). No specific project manager license is required.

Insider Tip: In Lawrence, a PMP on your resume gets you past the initial filter at KU and LMH. For tech firms, a strong portfolio and Scrum certification can be more valuable than a PMP. Always check the specific job posting.

Best Neighborhoods for Project Managers

Choosing where to live in Lawrence can define your commute and lifestyle. The city is compact, but neighborhoods have distinct personalities.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	1BR Rent Estimate	Best For
Downtown / Historic East Lawrence	Walkable, artsy, historic. 5-10 min drive to most employers.	$1,100 - $1,400	PMs who want to be in the heart of the action, near restaurants, bars, and First Friday art walks.
West Lawrence	Suburban, family-friendly, newer construction. 10-15 min drive.	$850 - $1,100	PMs seeking more space, quieter streets, and easy access to grocery stores (HyVee, Dillons).
North Lawrence	Industrial, more affordable, with a community feel. 10-15 min drive.	$700 - $900	Budget-conscious PMs who don't mind a grittier vibe and want lower rent.
South Lawrence / KU Campus Area	Collegiate, energetic, but can be noisy. 5-10 min drive.	$800 - $1,200	Younger PMs or those who enjoy a vibrant, youthful atmosphere.
Suburban Adjacent (e.g., Eudora, Lecompton)	Small-town feel, very quiet, 15-20 min commute.	$750 - $950	PMs with families or those who prioritize space and tranquility over walkability.

Insider Tip: Traffic in Lawrence is minimal. A 15-minute commute is considered long. Prioritize your lifestyle preference over proximity to work; you'll rarely be more than a 15-minute drive from your office.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Lawrence, career growth for PMs is less about rapid vertical jumps and more about strategic specialization and building deep local networks.

• Specialty Premiums: PMs with IT/Software or Construction/Engineering credentials command a 10-15% salary premium. Healthcare PMs (EHR, compliance) are also in high demand and can earn towards the top of the local range.
• Advancement Paths: The typical path is Mid-Level PM -> Senior PM -> Program Manager/Director. At KU, you might move from managing research grants to overseeing a capital construction project. At LMH, you could progress from clinical system upgrades to facility-wide transformation programs. The move from "manager" to "leader" often involves managing other PMs or project coordinators.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 6% job growth indicates a need for PMs, but the landscape will evolve. Expect increased demand for PMs skilled in digital transformation, AI integration, and sustainability (ESG) projects. KU's research in AI and engineering, and the healthcare sector's tech adoption, will drive this. Building a network through the PMI Kansas City Chapter and local business groups is critical for long-term mobility.

Insider Tip: Consider taking a PM role at a larger employer (like KU or LMH) for 3-5 years to build a resume with complex projects. Then, you can leverage that experience to move into a more lucrative or specialized role at a smaller firm or as a consultant, where your value is higher.

The Verdict: Is Lawrence Right for You?

Pros	Cons
High Affordability: A $98,545 salary goes much further here, allowing for homeownership and savings.	Limited High-End Jobs: C-suite and ultra-high-paying PM roles (e.g., at Fortune 500 HQs) are scarce.
Stable Job Market: Anchored by education and healthcare, recession-resistant.	Slower Pace: The job market and career advancement can feel slower than in major metros.
Vibrant Culture & Community: A college town with big-city amenities (food, arts, sports).	Car Dependency: You'll need a reliable vehicle; public transit is not robust.
Manageable Commute: 10-15 minutes is the norm.	Limited Diversity in Industries: Heavily reliant on a few large sectors.
Outdoor Access: Proximity to Clinton Lake and the Kansas River for recreation.	Weather: Hot, humid summers and cold, windy winters.

Final Recommendation:
Lawrence is an excellent choice for Project Managers who prioritize work-life balance, affordability, and community over chasing the highest possible salary. It's ideal for mid-career professionals looking to buy a home, start a family, or simply slow down without sacrificing professional credibility. If you're a PM with 3-10 years of experience, especially in IT, healthcare, or construction, you'll find a stable, rewarding career with a purchasing power that rivals much larger cities. It's not the place for someone seeking a cutthroat, hyper-competitive environment, but for those who want to build a life as much as a career, Lawrence offers a compelling, data-backed value proposition.

FAQs

1. Is it easy to find a Project Manager job in Lawrence without a local network?
It's challenging but possible. Most major employers (KU, LMH) post jobs on their websites. You must be proactive. Use LinkedIn to connect with recruiters and current employees at target companies. Join the PMI Kansas City Chapter to access local job boards and networking events.

2. How does the cost of living really compare to Kansas City?
While a PM salary in Kansas City might be 10-15% higher, the median home price in KC is over $300,000 (and much higher in Johnson County). Combined with higher property taxes and general expenses, your take-home pay in Lawrence often provides a better quality of life and faster path to homeownership.

3. What's the tech scene like for Agile PMs?
It's small but growing. Companies like VideaHealth and Verathread, along with tech divisions at KU and regional healthcare systems, use agile methodologies. The demand for Certified ScrumMasters is rising. It's not Silicon Valley, but there are genuine opportunities if you know where to look.

4. Do I need a car in Lawrence?
Yes, unequivocally. While the downtown core is walkable, your employer (KU, LMH hospital, etc.) will likely be in a location that requires a car. Grocery stores, entertainment, and most residential areas are not within easy walking distance year-round.

5. What's the best way to prepare for a move?
Secure a job offer first, as the market is smaller. Then, research neighborhoods based on your budget and commute tolerance. Use Zillow and local property management sites (like RentKU or Lawrence Apartment Locators) to get a real-time view of rental availability. Finally, connect with the local PMI chapter to start building your professional network before you arrive.