Lawrence vs Topeka: Data Analyst Salary (2026)
Compare data analyst 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 | $47,294 | $63,377▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $22.73 | $30.47▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $27,430 | $38,242▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $35,069 | $43,578▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $60,536 | $84,949▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $73,305 | $98,576▲ |
| Total Employed | 22 | 40▲ |
Verdict
Topeka, KS offers better overall compensation for data analysts, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Lawrence.
The salary gap between Lawrence and Topeka is $16,083 (34.01%). Topeka's median is -21.17% compared to the US national median of $80,394.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lawrence spans $45,875,Topeka spans $60,334. Topeka has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced data analysts.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Topeka ($71,354 effective) pays 37.14% more than Lawrence ($52,029 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 ($63,377/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($98,576)
- ✓Larger job market (40 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $71,354)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, data analyst salaries in Lawrence grew -46.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -28.2% growth in Topeka over the same period.
Lawrence, KS
$84,563 (2024) → $45,266 (2025)
Topeka, KS
$84,434 (2024) → $60,659 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lawrence, KS
Topeka, KS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays data analysts more: Lawrence or Topeka?
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Should I relocate from Lawrence to Topeka as a data analyst?
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Written by Aisha Patel, MA, Certified Data Analyst
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience in data analysis. She specializes in business intelligence and works at a tech consulting firm.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.48% 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 Aisha Patel, MA, Certified Data Analyst, a licensed data analyst with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov