Salina vs Topeka: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Salina, KS and Topeka, KS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Salina, KS | Topeka, KS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $120,384 | $137,320▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $57.88 | $66.02▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $99,997 | $112,688▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $111,738 | $123,695▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $137,990 | $139,223▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $149,082 | $169,306▲ |
| Total Employed | 11 | 500▲ |
Verdict
Topeka, KS offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Salina.
The salary gap between Salina and Topeka is $16,936 (14.07%). 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 Salina spans $49,085,Topeka spans $56,618. Topeka has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced nurse practitioners.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Topeka ($154,605 effective) pays 16.74% more than Salina ($132,436 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Salina 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 Salina grew 13.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 24.0% growth in Topeka over the same period.
Salina, KS
$102,911 (2024) → $116,369 (2025)
Topeka, KS
$107,030 (2019) → $132,740 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Salina, KS
Topeka, KS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Salina or Topeka?
What is the hourly rate difference between Salina and Topeka?
Should I relocate from Salina to Topeka as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Salina 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