Kansas City vs Wichita: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Kansas City, KS and Wichita, KS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Kansas City, KS | Wichita, KS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $136,132▲ | $120,105 |
| Hourly Rate | $65.45▲ | $57.75 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $98,737 | $98,898▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $116,556▲ | $109,450 |
| 75th Percentile | $161,464▲ | $132,933 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $179,717▲ | $150,644 |
| Total Employed | 25 | 690▲ |
Verdict
Kansas City, KS offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Wichita.
The salary gap between Kansas City and Wichita is $16,027 (13.34%). Kansas City's median is -0.53% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Kansas City spans $80,980,Wichita spans $51,746. Kansas 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, Kansas City ($149,760 effective) pays 10.91% more than Wichita ($135,031 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Kansas City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($136,132/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($179,717)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $149,760)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Choose Wichita if…
- ✓Larger job market (690 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Kansas City grew 21.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 33.0% growth in Wichita over the same period.
Kansas City, KS
$108,100 (2024) → $131,592 (2025)
Wichita, KS
$87,270 (2019) → $116,100 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Kansas City, KS
Wichita, KS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Kansas City or Wichita?
What is the hourly rate difference between Kansas City and Wichita?
Should I relocate from Kansas City to Wichita as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Kansas City vs Wichita?
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