Lawrence vs Overland Park: School Counselor Salary (2026)
Compare school counselor salaries between Lawrence, KS and Overland Park, KS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lawrence, KS | Overland Park, KS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $50,855 | $58,248▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $24.45 | $28.00▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,554▲ | $38,463 |
| 25th Percentile | $50,855▲ | $44,397 |
| 75th Percentile | $64,596 | $74,558▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $82,557 | $90,285▲ |
| Total Employed | 230▲ | 29 |
Verdict
Overland Park, KS offers better overall compensation for school counselors, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Lawrence.
The salary gap between Lawrence and Overland Park is $7,393 (14.54%). Overland Park's median is -9.46% compared to the US national median of $64,335.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lawrence spans $33,003,Overland Park spans $51,822. Overland Park has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced school counselors.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Overland Park ($64,079 effective) pays 13.71% more than Lawrence ($56,353 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 (230 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Choose Overland Park if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($58,248/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($90,285)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $64,079)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, school counselor salaries in Lawrence grew 12.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 3.0% growth in Overland Park over the same period.
Lawrence, KS
$44,380 (2019) → $49,833 (2025)
Overland Park, KS
$55,431 (2024) → $57,078 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lawrence, KS
Overland Park, KS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays school counselors more: Lawrence or Overland Park?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lawrence and Overland Park?
Should I relocate from Lawrence to Overland Park as a school counselor?
What do entry-level school counselors earn in Lawrence vs Overland Park?
Written by Maria Gonzalez, M.Ed.
Content Lead
Maria has over 10 years of experience in school counseling. She specializes in academic and emotional support for high school students. She works at a public high school in California.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.05% 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 Maria Gonzalez, M.Ed., a licensed school counselor with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov