Average Registered Nurses Salary in Lawrence, KS
Registered Nurses in Lawrence, Kansas, earn an average annual salary of $78,070. This figure is notably below the national average of $97,850, suggesting that local market dynamics, such as demand and the cost of doing business, play a significant role in compensation within this specific region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $78,070 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 26.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $91,050.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 790 Registered Nurses and a Location Quotient of 0.73, Lawrence, KS, presents a market with a slightly lower concentration of RNs compared to the national average. This indicates a stable, albeit not exceptionally high, demand for nursing professionals within the area, suggesting a consistent job market for those in the profession.
Salary Overview
The average Registered Nurses in Lawrence, KS earns-20.2%below the national average.
$37.5
$1,501
$6,506
Registered Nurses Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that Registered Nurse salaries in Lawrence, KS, have experienced a gradual upward trend over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic factors and evolving healthcare needs typically drive modest annual salary increases for skilled professionals in this field.
Registered Nurses Salary Distribution in Lawrence, KS
Salary progression for Registered Nurses in Lawrence, KS, is strongly tied to experience. Entry-level positions typically start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned RNs with specialized skills and extensive experience can command significantly higher salaries, often reaching the upper percentiles. The gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies clear career advancement opportunities and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $62,200 | $29.9 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $58,553 | $28.2 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $79,510 | $38.2 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $97,588 | $46.9 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $91,050 | $43.8 |
Detailed Registered Nurses Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$78,070
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$78,070
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $78,070 in Lawrence, KS, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of an RN's salary in Lawrence is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial standing without the premium or discount often associated with higher or lower cost-of-living areas.
Job Market Context
790
Total Jobs
15.447
Per 1K Jobs
0.73
Location Quotient
Lawrence, KS has 0.73x the national average concentration of Registered Nurses jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
A Location Quotient of 0.73 indicates that Registered Nurses are less concentrated in Lawrence, KS, than the national average. This suggests that while the profession is established, it is not a primary hub for nursing employment, potentially leading to a more balanced job market where opportunities exist but competition might be less intense than in highly concentrated areas.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Registered Nurses
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Topeka, KS Registered Nurses Salary | $84,760↑ 9% | 24 mi |
| Kansas City, MO-KS Registered Nurses Salary | $85,540↑ 10% | 38 mi |
| St. Joseph, MO-KS Registered Nurses Salary | $78,160↑ 0% | 60 mi |
| Manhattan, KS Registered Nurses Salary | $77,420↓ 1% | 74 mi |
| Kansas nonmetropolitan area Registered Nurses Salary | $73,870↓ 5% | 84 mi |
Comparing salaries near Lawrence, KS
Hiring Registered Nursess?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Registered Nurses make in Lawrence, KS?
The median annual salary for a Registered Nurses in Lawrence, KS is $78,070. This typically ranges from $62,200 for entry-level positions to $91,050 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Lawrence, KS is 20.2% lower than the national median of $97,850.
Is Lawrence, KS a lucrative place for Registered Nurses?
No, but financially stable.While the average salary of $78,070 is below the national average, the cost of living in Lawrence, KS, is also at the national average. This means RNs' earnings have equivalent purchasing power locally.
Is Lawrence, KS a good place to live for Registered Nurses?
The Cost of Living Index in Lawrence, KS is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Lawrence, KS?
Some top paying nearby cities include Topeka, KS ($84,760) and Kansas City, MO-KS.
How does the Lawrence, KS RN salary compare to the national average?
Registered Nurses in Lawrence, KS, earn an average of $78,070 annually, which is approximately 20% lower than the national average salary of $97,850.
What is the job market like for Registered Nurses in Lawrence, KS?
The job market in Lawrence, KS, for Registered Nurses is stable, with 15.447 jobs per 1,000 workers and a slightly lower concentration (LQ of 0.73) compared to the national average.
Does experience impact RN salaries in Lawrence, KS?
Yes, experience significantly impacts RN salaries in Lawrence, KS, with entry-level positions earning less and senior nurses with specialized skills commanding higher pay, reflecting career progression.
How does the cost of living affect the value of an RN's salary in Lawrence, KS?
The cost of living in Lawrence, KS, is exactly at the national average (100), meaning the $78,070 salary provides purchasing power equivalent to the national average, offering good financial stability.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 790 employees in the Lawrence, KS area with a job density of 15.447 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Registered Nurses • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Lawrence, KS