Pharmacist Salary

Lawrence vs Liberal: Pharmacist Salary (2026)

Compare pharmacist salaries between Lawrence, KS and Liberal, KS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Lawrence, KS
$136,330
$65.55/hr
Liberal, KS
$121,649
$58.48/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricLawrence, KSLiberal, KS
Median Salary$136,330$121,649
Hourly Rate$65.55$58.48
Entry Level (P10)$41,200$94,693
25th Percentile$74,132$117,198
75th Percentile$164,730$132,274
Top Earner (P90)$171,675$146,833
Total Employed1604
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Lawrence ($136,330) and Liberal ($121,649) pharmacist salaries.LawrenceLiberalMedian Salary$136,330$121,649Entry Level (P10)$41,200$94,693Top Earner (P90)$171,675$146,833US Median $143,489

Verdict

Lawrence, KS offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Liberal.

The salary gap between Lawrence and Liberal is $14,681 (12.07%). Lawrence's median is -4.99% compared to the US national median of $143,489.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lawrence spans $130,475,Liberal spans $52,140. Lawrence has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Lawrence
P10 (Entry)$41,200
P25$74,132
Median$136,330
P75$164,730
P90 (Top)$171,675
Liberal
P10 (Entry)$94,693
P25$117,198
Median$121,649
P75$132,274
P90 (Top)$146,833

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Lawrence ($151,070 effective) pays 12.88% more than Liberal ($133,827 effective).

Lawrence
Nominal: $136,330
CoL Index: 90.243
Adjusted: $151,070
Liberal
Nominal: $121,649
CoL Index: 90.9
Adjusted: $133,827

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 ($136,330/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($171,675)
  • Larger job market (160 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $151,070)
  • You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle

Choose Liberal if…

  • You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacist salaries in Lawrence grew 242.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 10.1% growth in Liberal over the same period.

Lawrence, KS

+242.5%

$39,090 (2019) → $133,880 (2025)

Liberal, KS

+10.1%

$108,518 (2024) → $119,463 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays pharmacists more: Lawrence or Liberal?

Lawrence has a higher median pharmacist salary at $136,330/year, compared to Liberal at $121,649/year — a difference of $14,681 (12.07%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Lawrence and Liberal?

Lawrence pharmacists earn $65.55/hr while Liberal hygienists earn $58.48/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Lawrence to Liberal as a pharmacist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Lawrence and Liberal. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Lawrence = $151,070, Liberal = $133,827), job availability (160 vs 4 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level pharmacists earn in Lawrence vs Liberal?

Entry-level (10th percentile) pharmacists earn $41,200 in Lawrence and $94,693 in Liberal. The Liberal area offers higher starting salaries.
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Written by Sofia Chen, PharmD

Career Analyst

Sofia Chen has 10 years of experience in community pharmacy. She specializes in medication therapy management.

Clinically reviewed by Liam Patel, PharmDData verified by Amina Al-Sayed, PharmD

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 1.83% 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 Sofia Chen, PharmD, a licensed pharmacist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov