Garden City vs Topeka: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Garden City, KS and Topeka, KS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Garden City, KS | Topeka, KS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $123,298 | $137,320▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $59.28 | $66.02▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $97,033 | $112,688▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $110,566 | $123,695▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $144,929▲ | $139,223 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $153,783 | $169,306▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 500▲ |
Verdict
Topeka, KS offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Garden City.
The salary gap between Garden City and Topeka is $14,022 (11.37%). Topeka's median is +0.33% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Garden City spans $56,750,Topeka spans $56,618. Garden City 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, Topeka ($154,605 effective) pays 13.98% more than Garden City ($135,641 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Garden City if…
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Choose Topeka if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($137,320/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($169,306)
- ✓Larger job market (500 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $154,605)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Garden City grew 13.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 24.0% growth in Topeka over the same period.
Garden City, KS
$105,402 (2024) → $119,186 (2025)
Topeka, KS
$107,030 (2019) → $132,740 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Garden City, KS
Topeka, KS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Garden City or Topeka?
What is the hourly rate difference between Garden City and Topeka?
Should I relocate from Garden City to Topeka as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Garden City vs Topeka?
Written by Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience in adult healthcare. She works in a community health clinic. Her specialty is chronic disease management.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.45% 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, MSN, NP-C, a licensed nurse practitioner with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov