Lawrence vs Olathe: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist salaries between Lawrence, KS and Olathe, KS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lawrence, KS | Olathe, KS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $88,527 | $92,830▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $42.56 | $44.63▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $61,926▲ | $61,514 |
| 25th Percentile | $67,115 | $74,602▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $105,030 | $107,361▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $108,222 | $131,091▲ |
| Total Employed | 50▲ | 33 |
Verdict
Olathe, KS offers better overall compensation for speech-language pathologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Lawrence.
The salary gap between Lawrence and Olathe is $4,303 (4.86%). Olathe's median is -8.79% compared to the US national median of $101,775.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lawrence spans $46,296,Olathe spans $69,577. Olathe has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced speech-language pathologists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Olathe ($102,123 effective) pays 4.10% more than Lawrence ($98,098 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lawrence if…
- ✓Larger job market (50 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Choose Olathe if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($92,830/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($131,091)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $102,123)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, speech-language pathologist salaries in Lawrence grew 56.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 22.3% growth in Olathe over the same period.
Lawrence, KS
$54,410 (2019) → $85,130 (2025)
Olathe, KS
$72,968 (2024) → $89,268 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lawrence, KS
Olathe, KS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: Lawrence or Olathe?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lawrence and Olathe?
Should I relocate from Lawrence to Olathe as a speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in Lawrence vs Olathe?
Written by Jordan Lee, CCC-SLP
Career Analyst
Jordan has over 8 years of experience in speech-language pathology. He specializes in pediatric language disorders. He works in a community health clinic.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.99% 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, CCC-SLP, a licensed speech-language pathologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov