Lawrence vs Wichita: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Lawrence, KS and Wichita, KS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lawrence, KS | Wichita, KS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $65,319▲ | $62,702 |
| Hourly Rate | $31.40▲ | $30.15 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,807▲ | $48,036 |
| 25th Percentile | $61,413▲ | $54,354 |
| 75th Percentile | $77,481▲ | $65,608 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $89,621▲ | $82,767 |
| Total Employed | 200 | 1,150▲ |
Verdict
Lawrence, KS offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Wichita.
The salary gap between Lawrence and Wichita is $2,617 (4.17%). Lawrence's median is -16.84% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lawrence spans $34,814,Wichita spans $34,731. Lawrence has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Lawrence ($72,381 effective) pays 2.68% more than Wichita ($70,494 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lawrence if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($65,319/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($89,621)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $72,381)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Choose Wichita if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,150 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Lawrence grew 15.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 28.3% growth in Wichita over the same period.
Lawrence, KS
$54,810 (2019) → $63,380 (2025)
Wichita, KS
$47,420 (2019) → $60,840 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lawrence, KS
Wichita, KS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Lawrence or Wichita?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lawrence and Wichita?
Should I relocate from Lawrence to Wichita as a police officer?
What do entry-level police officers earn in Lawrence vs Wichita?
Written by Jordan Lee, BA Criminal Justice
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has over 10 years of experience in law enforcement. They specialize in community policing strategies. Jordan works with a municipal police department.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.06% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, BA Criminal Justice, a licensed police officer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov