Medical Assistant Pay

Dodge City vs Lawrence: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)

Compare medical assistant salaries between Dodge City, KS and Lawrence, KS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Dodge City, KS
$41,245
$19.83/hr
Lawrence, KS
$39,017
$18.76/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDodge City, KSLawrence, KS
Median Salary$41,245$39,017
Hourly Rate$19.83$18.76
Entry Level (P10)$33,726$33,108
25th Percentile$35,077$38,304
75th Percentile$43,352$41,148
Top Earner (P90)$51,028$46,397
Total Employed5210
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Dodge City ($41,245) and Lawrence ($39,017) medical assistant salaries.Dodge CityLawrenceMedian Salary$41,245$39,017Entry Level (P10)$33,726$33,108Top Earner (P90)$51,028$46,397US Median $47,961

Verdict

Dodge City, KS offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Lawrence.

The salary gap between Dodge City and Lawrence is $2,228 (5.71%). Dodge City's median is -14.00% compared to the US national median of $47,961.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Dodge City spans $17,302,Lawrence spans $13,289. Dodge City has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Dodge City
P10 (Entry)$33,726
P25$35,077
Median$41,245
P75$43,352
P90 (Top)$51,028
Lawrence
P10 (Entry)$33,108
P25$38,304
Median$39,017
P75$41,148
P90 (Top)$46,397

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Dodge City ($45,374 effective) pays 4.95% more than Lawrence ($43,235 effective).

Dodge City
Nominal: $41,245
CoL Index: 90.9
Adjusted: $45,374
Lawrence
Nominal: $39,017
CoL Index: 90.243
Adjusted: $43,235

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Dodge City if…

  • Higher median salary ($41,245/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($51,028)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $45,374)
  • 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 Dodge City grew 20.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 21.0% growth in Lawrence over the same period.

Dodge City, KS

+20.2%

$32,679 (2024) → $39,292 (2025)

Lawrence, KS

+21.0%

$30,720 (2019) → $37,170 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays medical assistants more: Dodge City or Lawrence?

Dodge City has a higher median medical assistant salary at $41,245/year, compared to Lawrence at $39,017/year — a difference of $2,228 (5.71%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Dodge City and Lawrence?

Dodge City medical assistants earn $19.83/hr while Lawrence hygienists earn $18.76/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Dodge City to Lawrence as a medical assistant?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Dodge City and Lawrence. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Dodge City = $45,374, Lawrence = $43,235), job availability (5 vs 210 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Dodge City vs Lawrence?

Entry-level (10th percentile) medical assistants earn $33,726 in Dodge City and $33,108 in Lawrence. The Dodge City area offers higher starting salaries.
EC

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.

Clinically reviewed by Carlos Rodriguez, RMAData verified by Sofia Patel, CCMA

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