City Town Info

Lawrence Employment

Employment and Industries in the Lawrence, Kansas Area

Lawrence is known as a college town. It's home to the University of Kansas and Haskell Indian Nations University. Lawrence is home to an emerging bio-science industry, a notable call center industry and numerous small technology companies.

The Lawrence Technology Association offers networking opportunities for researchers, scientists, entrepreneurs and businesses. The Lawrence Regional Technology Center, is a business incubator, which offers useful resources and services for technology based firms. The Kansas University's Office of Technology works with companies and industries in order to connect technology development with commercial applications.

The largest job providers in the Lawrence region are:

  • The University of Kansas - Education
  • Lawrence Public Schools
  • Pearson Government Solutions - Information service company
  • City of Lawrence - Government
  • Lawrence Memorial Hospital - Hospitals
  • Hallmark Cards, Inc - Social expression products
  • The World Company - Newspaper and cable/Internet/telephone company
  • Berry Plastics - Manufactures plastic containers and lids
  • Baker University - Education
  • Amarr Garage Doors - Manufacturer of garage door components
  • DCCCA Center - Counseling services
  • Community Living Opportunities Inc - Provides services for adults with developmental disabilities
  • K-Mart Distribution Center - Distribution Center
  • Douglas County - Government
  • Allen Press - Publishing
  • Cottonwood Incorporated - Provides services for people with developmental disabilities
  • Hamm Companies - Rock production and sales, highway construction asphalt and waste management
  • Haskell Indian Nations University - Education
  • DST - Financial processing services
  • Lawrence Paper Company - Manufactures cardboard boxes

The top job providing sectors in Lawrence Kansas include:

  • Education
  • Healthcare
  • Accommodation and food services
  • Professional, scientific and technical services
  • Government
  • Finance and insurance

Pertinent data regarding Lawrence Kansas: In 2007 the estimated median household income was $39,000. In 2008 the cost of living index in the city was 86.8 which is less than the country's average of 100. About 48% of the adult population has earned a bachelor's degree of higher.

In Lawrence, businesses collaborate with organizations such as:

Those interested in staying current with local business activities can visit LJWorld.com

Most Popular Jobs in Lawrence, Kansas Metro Area (2008 data)

Where the Majority of Workers Have College Degrees

RankTitleLocal JobsLocal Mean SalaryTypical Local SalaryNational Growth % 2006-2016National % With College Degree
1Registered nurses58053,600$39,550 - 67,18024%56%
2Elementary school teachers, except special education53039,230$22,800 - 52,64014%95%
3Accountants and auditors31056,100$35,780 - 79,22018%79%
4Computer programmers28062,900$30,060 - 94,7100%73%
5Secondary school teachers, except special and vocational education27041,000$26,070 - 54,5306%96%
6Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except technical and scientific products25055,000$17,410 - 104,2608%51%
7Middle school teachers, except special and vocational education24040,300$23,930 - 53,52011%95%
8Network and computer systems administrators23045,450$29,250 - 67,14027%50%
9Chief executives230115,230$61,160 - 2%65%
10Coaches and scouts18040,460$13,510 - 111,15015%60%
11Financial managers14075,940$42,000 - 129,13013%60%
12Teachers and instructors, all other14035,150$21,010 - 69,0809%54%
13Graphic designers12033,180$21,350 - 50,98010%55%
14Educational, vocational, and school counselors12047,910$32,220 - 64,24013%73%
15Librarians11040,190$21,710 - 59,6704%85%
16Pharmacists11094,570$27,820 - 22%97%
17Umpires, referees, and other sports officials11021,100$13,640 - 29,63016%60%
18Network systems and data communications analysts110 $ - 53%57%
19Self-enrichment education teachers11049,540$23,200 - 93,77023%54%
20Architects, except landscape and naval9065,520$44,550 - 93,71018%88%
21Rehabilitation counselors9026,430$19,400 - 34,13023%73%
22Physical therapists9058,540$44,760 - 77,00027%89%
23Advertising sales agents9042,740$25,320 - 59,32020%56%
24Civil engineers9070,420$46,830 - 109,84018%87%
25Public relations specialists9066,170$29,060 - 106,69018%81%
26Lawyers8089,560$52,850 - 158,92011%99%
27Management analysts70107,940$48,150 - 22%78%
28Special education teachers, secondary school7044,600$34,340 - 57,1709%87%
29Clinical, counseling, and school psychologists7073,700$41,290 - 127,87016%99%
30Medical and health services managers7074,060$52,250 - 103,24016%57%
31Special education teachers, middle school6043,330$34,200 - 53,31016%87%
32Education administrators, elementary and secondary school6074,190$56,120 - 95,3008%78%
33Veterinarians6075,220$28,820 - 119,15035%100%
34Market research analysts60 $ - 20%82%
35Medical and clinical laboratory technologists6054,670$42,610 - 66,35012%51%
36Computer and information systems managers5074,650$48,860 - 97,11016%73%
37Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, technical and scientific products50 $ - 12%51%
38Speech-language pathologists5049,710$35,180 - 64,13011%98%
39Vocational education teachers, secondary school4042,660$34,060 - 51,2400%96%
40Securities, commodities, and financial services sales agents4081,390$37,080 - 135,09025%67%
41Compliance officers, except agriculture, construction, health and safety, and transportation4052,500$33,330 - 81,6105%58%
42Instructional coordinators4046,470$28,300 - 71,16023%79%
43Occupational health and safety specialists4052,150$35,730 - 66,6208%72%
44Compensation, benefits, and job analysis specialists4049,830$35,520 - 73,40018%56%
45Meeting and convention planners4036,150$15,900 - 50,74020%67%
46Athletic trainers4037,610$14,900 - 59,70024%72%
47Editors4044,310$29,280 - 78,2302%81%
48Dentists, general40210,890$95,020 - 9%100%
49Human resources, training, and labor relations specialists, all other3059,130$39,940 - 87,14017%56%
50Environmental scientists and specialists, including health3049,730$39,190 - 62,59025%93%
51Sales managers3087,980$36,070 - 155,78010%69%
52Mechanical engineers3057,330$42,700 - 85,7504%78%

Where the Majority of Workers Do Not Have College Degrees

RankTitleLocal JobsLocal Mean SalaryTypical Local SalaryNational Growth % 2006-2016National % With College Degree
1Cashiers1,65018,760$13,090 - 29,140-2%10%
2Retail salespersons1,53021,200$13,270 - 32,07012%25%
3Waiters and waitresses1,51019,360$13,110 - 25,52011%14%
4Office clerks, general1,46020,410$13,330 - 31,85013%19%
5Combined food preparation and serving workers, including fast food1,00015,650$12,860 - 19,97018%5%
6Secretaries, except legal, medical, and executive93027,260$19,130 - 37,5901%18%
7Personal and home care aides78017,670$15,240 - 20,03051%10%
8Executive secretaries and administrative assistants77035,100$26,210 - 46,81015%18%
9Teacher assistants77022,140$17,630 - 26,87010%18%
10Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks75029,520$16,670 - 41,77013%16%
11Janitors and cleaners, except maids and housekeeping cleaners69020,300$15,860 - 29,01015%4%
12Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand69027,210$17,090 - 38,3502%5%
13General and operations managers60080,600$41,990 - 143,3502%48%
14First-line supervisors/managers of retail sales workers59033,360$16,020 - 50,9504%25%
15First-line supervisors/managers of food preparation and serving workers57026,490$17,170 - 39,13011%14%
16Food preparation workers54017,350$13,200 - 23,10015%7%
17Maintenance and repair workers, general50030,320$14,280 - 52,01010%6%
18First-line supervisors/managers of office and administrative support workers50042,890$26,500 - 63,4306%29%
19Cooks, restaurant47020,470$14,870 - 27,73012%5%
20Dining room and cafeteria attendants and bartender helpers47015,960$12,930 - 20,01012%6%
21Stock clerks and order fillers47021,160$14,490 - 29,900-7%8%
22Nursing aides, orderlies, and attendants38024,370$19,530 - 30,85018%7%
23Bartenders38018,790$13,150 - 25,37011%17%
24Driver/sales workers37015,500$12,880 - 20,040-4%4%
25Carpenters36041,030$27,470 - 60,09010%6%
26Cooks, fast food34016,150$13,050 - 20,0408%5%
27Landscaping and groundskeeping workers33023,280$16,820 - 31,75018%6%
28Tellers32021,210$17,250 - 26,12014%16%
29Maids and housekeeping cleaners31018,820$13,460 - 26,19013%5%
30Child care workers31017,120$13,270 - 21,74018%15%
31Customer service representatives31028,020$18,870 - 38,53025%22%
32Receptionists and information clerks31022,410$14,740 - 30,49017%13%
33Construction laborers30031,760$22,130 - 43,80011%5%
34Packers and packagers, hand28018,410$13,230 - 26,190-11%3%
35Cooks, institution and cafeteria27022,560$15,380 - 35,40011%5%
36First-line supervisors/managers of mechanics, installers, and repairers25048,870$28,380 - 75,0807%13%
37Home health aides25022,060$18,800 - 25,15049%7%
38Hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists25020,030$14,060 - 26,16012%6%
39Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators24039,280$26,750 - 56,1608%3%
40Truck drivers, heavy and tractor-trailer24033,660$25,540 - 44,04010%4%
41First-line supervisors/managers of production and operating workers23051,190$32,180 - 76,440-4%15%
42Police and sheriff's patrol officers23051,980$35,400 - 66,29011%33%
43Automotive service technicians and mechanics21031,080$18,650 - 49,60014%4%
44Dishwashers21016,510$13,000 - 21,20010%3%
45Electricians20040,880$28,450 - 53,3207%7%
46Hosts and hostesses, restaurant, lounge, and coffee shop20016,090$12,960 - 20,31010%17%
47First-line supervisors/managers of construction trades and extraction workers20051,980$34,030 - 68,5309%10%
48Counter and rental clerks20020,410$13,210 - 32,54023%16%
49Business operations specialists, all other19051,290$33,220 - 69,73021%49%
50Industrial truck and tractor operators19034,410$26,440 - 46,430-1%2%
51Recreation workers18022,640$14,470 - 32,39013%47%
52Truck drivers, light or delivery services17032,440$15,200 - 62,4808%4%
53Cooks, short order16017,500$13,280 - 23,3705%5%
54Printing machine operators16037,400$22,300 - 50,980-5%6%
55Bus drivers, school16024,280$20,230 - 31,5209%4%
56Security guards15022,800$13,330 - 44,01017%13%
57Fitness trainers and aerobics instructors15025,600$14,410 - 44,99027%47%
58Food servers, nonrestaurant14014,680$12,810 - 17,45016%9%
59Shipping, receiving, and traffic clerks14026,530$14,610 - 40,0004%6%
60Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses13035,620$29,090 - 41,22014%7%
61Dental assistants12034,550$25,150 - 43,13029%9%
62Sales representatives, services, all other12043,970$21,530 - 77,23028%48%
63Loan officers12056,050$27,420 - 96,65012%49%
64Computer support specialists12036,590$27,030 - 49,54013%43%
65First-line supervisors/managers of housekeeping and janitorial workers12033,220$23,370 - 46,28013%11%
66Billing and posting clerks and machine operators12028,840$20,520 - 40,1704%15%
67Pharmacy technicians12024,020$18,370 - 30,77032%16%
68Postal service mail carriers110 1%11%
69Painters, construction and maintenance10034,320$19,070 - 59,86012%6%
70Helpers--production workers10023,570$16,380 - 30,3400%4%
71Preschool teachers, except special education10029,500$18,220 - 46,88026%43%
72Hotel, motel, and resort desk clerks10019,860$16,250 - 24,75017%14%
73Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers10040,620$27,330 - 59,8809%3%
74Order clerks10027,340$16,080 - 38,930-23%16%
75Counter attendants, cafeteria, food concession, and coffee shop10015,090$12,860 - 18,70010%8%
76Medical assistants9026,550$20,790 - 35,11035%10%
77File clerks9019,030$13,480 - 27,220-40%20%
78Cleaners of vehicles and equipment9021,100$13,920 - 28,35014%3%
79Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters9044,300$28,160 - 61,42011%4%
80Industrial machinery mechanics9041,870$27,650 - 56,5209%5%
81Bakers8018,800$13,220 - 28,15010%8%
82Electrical power-line installers and repairers8049,940$24,050 - 64,4307%6%
83Nonfarm animal caretakers8017,760$13,130 - 26,06018%16%
84First-line supervisors/managers of helpers, laborers, and material movers, hand8043,710$25,760 - 62,79013%17%
85Data entry keyers8024,060$17,290 - 31,680-4%18%
86Cutting, punching, and press machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic8029,180$25,630 - 34,910-14%0%
87Library assistants, clerical8020,190$13,600 - 28,4708%37%
88Legal secretaries8028,880$21,350 - 34,27012%18%
89Mail clerks and mail machine operators, except postal service8020,650$16,280 - 27,540-11%9%
90Parts salespersons8025,490$13,470 - 40,200-1%6%
91Administrative services managers8059,590$28,390 - 92,58012%40%
92Cost estimators7050,100$31,950 - 75,70019%32%
93Physicians and surgeons, all other70185,320$75,460 - 0%0%
94Library technicians7023,350$16,850 - 33,6909%27%
95First-line supervisors/managers of landscaping, lawn service, and groundskeeping workers7036,630$25,910 - 53,20018%15%
96Food service managers7041,110$20,110 - 65,4405%24%
97First-line supervisors/managers of personal service workers6041,040$25,920 - 65,11016%26%
98Protective service workers, all other6019,910$13,290 - 34,53013%31%
99Bill and account collectors6029,010$22,730 - 36,49023%13%
100Dental hygienists6061,600$49,360 - 76,82030%33%
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Jobs More Common Near Lawrence Than Most Other Cities

* Average job popularity for metro areas = 1.0

TitleMean Local SalaryLocal JobsPop. vs. Avg.*
Umpires, referees, and other sports officials21,10011063.2
Personal and home care aides17,6707805.9
Coaches and scouts40,4601803.8
Dining room and cafeteria attendants and bartender helpers15,9604703.7
Cooks, short order17,5001603.7
Driver/sales workers15,5003703.4
Printing machine operators37,4001602.8
Cooks, institution and cafeteria22,5602702.8
Chief executives115,2302302.7
Bartenders18,7903802.6
Food servers, nonrestaurant14,6801402.6
Librarians40,1901102.5
First-line supervisors/managers of food preparation and serving workers26,4905702.4
Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators39,2802402.3
Self-enrichment education teachers49,5401102.3
Hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists20,0302502.3
Recreation workers22,6401802.3
Cooks, fast food16,1503402.2
First-line supervisors/managers of housekeeping and janitorial workers33,2201202.2
Teacher assistants22,1407702.2
Network and computer systems administrators45,4502302.2
Computer programmers62,9002802.2
Fitness trainers and aerobics instructors25,6001502.2
Food preparation workers17,3505402.1
Waiters and waitresses19,3601,5102.1
First-line supervisors/managers of mechanics, installers, and repairers48,8702501.9
Tellers21,2103201.9
Graphic designers33,1801201.9
Hosts and hostesses, restaurant, lounge, and coffee shop16,0902001.8
Child care workers17,1203101.8
Cooks, restaurant20,4704701.8
Educational, vocational, and school counselors47,9101201.7
First-line supervisors/managers of retail sales workers33,3605901.7
Office clerks, general20,4101,4601.7
Secretaries, except legal, medical, and executive27,2609301.7
Executive secretaries and administrative assistants35,1007701.7
Cashiers18,7601,6501.6
Hotel, motel, and resort desk clerks19,8601001.6
Counter and rental clerks20,4102001.5
Network systems and data communications analysts 1101.5
Pharmacists94,5701101.4
Order clerks27,3401001.4
Carpenters41,0303601.4
Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks29,5207501.4
Dishwashers16,5102101.4
Dental assistants34,5501201.4
Bus drivers, school24,2801601.4
Maintenance and repair workers, general30,3205001.3
Middle school teachers, except special and vocational education40,3002401.3
Elementary school teachers, except special education39,2305301.3

Work Paying Relatively Well in the Lawrence, Kansas Metro Area (2008 data)

* Average Salary Index for metro areas = 1.0

TitleMean Local SalarySalary Index *Local Jobs
Self-enrichment education teachers49,5401.29110
Industrial truck and tractor operators34,4101.15190
Printing machine operators37,4001.14160
Coaches and scouts40,4601.13180
Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand27,2101.13690
Truck drivers, light or delivery services32,4401.12170
Police and sheriff's patrol officers51,9801.07230
Dental assistants34,5501.07120
Carpenters41,0301.05360
Home health aides22,0601.04250
Waiters and waitresses19,3601.031,510
Construction laborers31,7601.02300
Nursing aides, orderlies, and attendants24,3701.01380
Cashiers18,7601.011,650
Teacher assistants22,1400.99770
Maids and housekeeping cleaners18,8200.98310
Computer programmers62,9000.98280
Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except technical and scientific products55,0000.97250
Bartenders18,7900.97380
First-line supervisors/managers of production and operating workers51,1900.97230
Landscaping and groundskeeping workers23,2800.96330
Dishwashers16,5100.96210
Cooks, institution and cafeteria22,5600.95270
Billing and posting clerks and machine operators28,8400.95120
First-line supervisors/managers of office and administrative support workers42,8900.95500
First-line supervisors/managers of housekeeping and janitorial workers33,2200.95120
Loan officers56,0500.95120
Customer service representatives28,0200.94310
Cooks, restaurant20,4700.94470
Accountants and auditors56,1000.94310
Recreation workers22,6400.94180
Receptionists and information clerks22,4100.94310
Secretaries, except legal, medical, and executive27,2600.94930
Shipping, receiving, and traffic clerks26,5300.93140
Educational, vocational, and school counselors47,9100.93120
Bus drivers, school24,2800.93160
Cooks, fast food16,1500.93340
Stock clerks and order fillers21,1600.93470
Teachers and instructors, all other35,1500.92140
Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks29,5200.92750
Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators39,2800.92240
Dining room and cafeteria attendants and bartender helpers15,9600.92470
Combined food preparation and serving workers, including fast food15,6500.911,000
Hosts and hostesses, restaurant, lounge, and coffee shop16,0900.91200
Executive secretaries and administrative assistants35,1000.9770
Security guards22,8000.9150
Food preparation workers17,3500.9540
Packers and packagers, hand18,4100.9280
Pharmacists94,5700.9110
Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses35,6200.9130

Highest Paying Jobs in Lawrence, Kansas Metro Area (2008 data)

TitleMean Local SalaryLocal Jobs
Dentists, general210,89040
Physicians and surgeons, all other185,32070
Internists, general136,31040
Chief executives115,230230
Management analysts107,94070
Pharmacists94,570110
Lawyers89,56080
Sales managers87,98030
Securities, commodities, and financial services sales agents81,39040
General and operations managers80,600600
Industrial production managers78,86030
First-line supervisors/managers of police and detectives76,35050
Financial managers75,940140
Veterinarians75,22060
Computer and information systems managers74,65050
Education administrators, elementary and secondary school74,19060
Medical and health services managers74,06070
Clinical, counseling, and school psychologists73,70070
Civil engineers70,42090
Managers, all other69,430 
Construction managers67,05050
Public relations specialists66,17090
Architects, except landscape and naval65,52090
Computer programmers62,900280
Dental hygienists61,60060
Computer systems analysts60,630 
Administrative services managers59,59080
Human resources, training, and labor relations specialists, all other59,13030
Physical therapists58,54090
Mechanical engineers57,33030
Accountants and auditors56,100310
Insurance sales agents56,06060
Loan officers56,050120
Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except technical and scientific products55,000250
Medical and clinical laboratory technologists54,67060
Registered nurses53,600580
Database administrators53,080 
Compliance officers, except agriculture, construction, health and safety, and transportation52,50040
Telecommunications equipment installers and repairers, except line installers52,270 
Occupational health and safety specialists52,15040
First-line supervisors/managers of construction trades and extraction workers51,980200
Police and sheriff's patrol officers51,980230
Business operations specialists, all other51,290190
First-line supervisors/managers of production and operating workers51,190230
Cost estimators50,10070
Electrical power-line installers and repairers49,94080
Compensation, benefits, and job analysis specialists49,83040
Environmental scientists and specialists, including health49,73030
Speech-language pathologists49,71050
Self-enrichment education teachers49,540110

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