Derby vs Lawrence: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Derby, KS and Lawrence, KS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Derby, KS | Lawrence, KS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $42,990▲ | $39,017 |
| Hourly Rate | $20.67▲ | $18.76 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,535▲ | $33,108 |
| 25th Percentile | $36,105 | $38,304▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $45,670▲ | $41,148 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $53,982▲ | $46,397 |
| Total Employed | 4 | 210▲ |
Verdict
Derby, KS offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Lawrence.
The salary gap between Derby and Lawrence is $3,973 (10.18%). Derby's median is -10.36% compared to the US national median of $47,961.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Derby spans $19,447,Lawrence spans $13,289. Derby has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Derby ($47,294 effective) pays 9.39% more than Lawrence ($43,235 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Derby if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($42,990/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($53,982)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $47,294)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Choose Lawrence if…
- ✓Larger job market (210 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Derby grew 20.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 21.0% growth in Lawrence over the same period.
Derby, KS
$34,062 (2024) → $40,955 (2025)
Lawrence, KS
$30,720 (2019) → $37,170 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lawrence, KS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Derby or Lawrence?
What is the hourly rate difference between Derby and Lawrence?
Should I relocate from Derby to Lawrence as a medical assistant?
What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Derby vs Lawrence?
Written by Emma Chen, CMA
Career Analyst
Emma has over 8 years of experience as a medical assistant. She has worked in both outpatient clinics and hospitals. Her expertise includes patient care and administrative support.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.97% 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 Emma Chen, CMA, a licensed medical assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov