Lawrence vs Topeka: Pharmacist Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacist salaries between Lawrence, KS and Topeka, KS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lawrence, KS | Topeka, KS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $136,330 | $143,397▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $65.55 | $68.94▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,200 | $75,782▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $74,132 | $126,391▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $164,730 | $169,313▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $171,675 | $172,408▲ |
| Total Employed | 160 | 280▲ |
Verdict
Topeka, KS offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Lawrence.
The salary gap between Lawrence and Topeka is $7,067 (5.18%). Topeka's median is -0.06% 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,Topeka spans $96,626. 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, Topeka ($161,447 effective) pays 6.87% more than Lawrence ($151,070 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lawrence if…
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Choose Topeka if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($143,397/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($172,408)
- ✓Larger job market (280 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $161,447)
- ✓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 13.2% growth in Topeka over the same period.
Lawrence, KS
$39,090 (2019) → $133,880 (2025)
Topeka, KS
$124,350 (2019) → $140,820 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lawrence, KS
Topeka, KS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacists more: Lawrence or Topeka?
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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.
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