Lenexa vs Wichita: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Lenexa, KS and Wichita, KS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lenexa, KS | Wichita, KS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $71,464▲ | $62,702 |
| Hourly Rate | $34.36▲ | $30.15 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,220 | $48,036▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $54,064 | $54,354▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $91,209▲ | $65,608 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $110,769▲ | $82,767 |
| Total Employed | 12 | 1,150▲ |
Verdict
Lenexa, KS offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Wichita.
The salary gap between Lenexa and Wichita is $8,762 (13.97%). Lenexa's median is -9.01% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lenexa spans $67,549,Wichita spans $34,731. Lenexa 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, Lenexa ($78,618 effective) pays 11.52% 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 Lenexa if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($71,464/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($110,769)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $78,618)
- ✓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 Lenexa grew 38.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 28.3% growth in Wichita over the same period.
Lenexa, KS
$50,043 (2024) → $69,342 (2025)
Wichita, KS
$47,420 (2019) → $60,840 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lenexa, KS
Wichita, KS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Lenexa or Wichita?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lenexa and Wichita?
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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