Lawrence vs Topeka: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist 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 | $88,527▲ | $82,121 |
| Hourly Rate | $42.56▲ | $39.49 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $61,926 | $66,429▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $67,115 | $67,302▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $105,030▲ | $104,396 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $108,222 | $114,680▲ |
| Total Employed | 50 | 140▲ |
Verdict
Lawrence and Topeka are closely matched on overall speech-language pathologist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Lawrence and Topeka is $6,406 (7.80%). Lawrence's median is -13.02% 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,Topeka spans $48,251. Topeka 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, Lawrence ($98,098 effective) pays 6.10% more than Topeka ($92,458 effective).
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 ($88,527/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $98,098)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Choose Topeka if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($114,680)
- ✓Larger job market (140 employed)
- ✓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 22.6% growth in Topeka over the same period.
Lawrence, KS
$54,410 (2019) → $85,130 (2025)
Topeka, KS
$64,400 (2019) → $78,970 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lawrence, KS
Topeka, KS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: Lawrence or Topeka?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lawrence and Topeka?
Should I relocate from Lawrence to Topeka as a speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in Lawrence vs Topeka?
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