Salaries in Lawrence, KS

You might think a college town like Lawrence, Kansas, would be a bargain. And you’d be right, but maybe not for the reason you expect. It’s not just that a one-bedroom apartment averages $869 a month; it’s that the city’s 91.0 cost-of-living index means your paycheck stretches significantly further than the national average, especially if you’re in the right field.

With a median household income of $62,608, the real story here is purchasing power. That index score means you need to earn about $91,000 nationally to live the same way you do on $74,268 in Lawrence—a COL-adjusted average salary that feels surprisingly robust for the Midwest. A $869 rent isn't just cheap; it’s a foundation for financial breathing room that’s vanished in most cities.

Lawrence’s economy is anchored by the University of Kansas, which is a massive employer, but the tech and professional services sectors are quietly booming. The software developer salary, adjusted to over $136,000, is a testament to that. You also see strong demand in healthcare and construction, which aligns with the city's steady growth. It’s a stable, educated market—56.9% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher.

Here’s the honest catch: while the cost of living is low, wage growth hasn’t always kept pace with the sharp increases we’ve seen everywhere since 2020. The city works beautifully for remote workers who earn coastal salaries, or for professionals in high-demand fields like software or healthcare. If you're in a more average-paying role, you'll still do well, but you're not immune to the national squeeze.

The data below breaks down exactly who thrives here and what your earning potential looks like in 2026.