Thanks to a pro-business climate that includes minimal business regulations, Kansas has earned itself a solid status as the epicenter of the aerospace industry, with major corporations like Boeing, Cessna, and Learjet operating here. Wichita alone is home to Spirit AeroSystems Holding, the largest company in the state with revenues exceeding $7.2 billion.
As a result, economic development in Kansas is making major headlines. In 2023 the Kansas Department of Commerce reported the state had earned the number-one spot for private investment per capita for the second time in as many years.
Kansas’ economic growth, of course, has translated into a growing legal services industry which, in turn, has allowed jobs among paralegals to come in strong.
Paralegal Job Market Trends in Kansas
The average salary for paralegals in Kansas is $54,310, or $26.11 per hour. But the big news in this state lies with the top earners.
With extensive experience, including experience in one more legal specialty such as family law, criminal litigation, or estate law, paralegals here can earn salaries that far exceed the state average. As of May 2024, the top 10% of earners in the state made a salary that starts at $80,240, or $38.58 per hour – that’s nearly $26,000 more than the state average.
Average Paralegal Salary in Kansas by City
Topeka’s average paralegal salary exceeded their colleagues in other metro areas of the state. Home to Fortune 500 companies like Westar Energy and Collective Brands, Topeka has become a hub for the agricultural, construction, manufacturing industries.
Topeka:
- Average – $51,840 ($24.93 hourly)
- Top 10% – $71,660 ($34.45 hourly)
Lawrence:
- Average – $49,400 ($23.75 hourly)
- Top 10% – $73,020 ($35.11 hourly)
Wichita:
- Average – $49,050 ($23.58 hourly)
- Top 10% – $70,520 ($33.90 hourly)
Manhattan:
- Average – $48,130 ($23.14 hourly)
- Top 10% – $69,610 ($33.47 hourly)
Rural Kansas:
- Average – $47,210 ($22.70 hourly)
- Top 10% – $60,750 ($29.21 hourly)
May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics salary, growth, and job market trends for paralegals and legal assistants. Figures represent state data, not school specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed April 2025.