Shawnee vs Wichita: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Shawnee, KS and Wichita, KS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Shawnee, KS | Wichita, KS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $121,279▲ | $120,105 |
| Hourly Rate | $58.30▲ | $57.75 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $95,218 | $98,898▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $108,993 | $109,450▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $144,082▲ | $132,933 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $159,104▲ | $150,644 |
| Total Employed | 11 | 690▲ |
Verdict
Shawnee, KS offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Wichita.
The salary gap between Shawnee and Wichita is $1,174 (0.98%). Shawnee's median is -11.39% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Shawnee spans $63,886,Wichita spans $51,746. Shawnee 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, Wichita ($135,031 effective) pays 1.21% more than Shawnee ($133,420 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Shawnee if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($121,279/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($159,104)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Choose Wichita if…
- ✓Larger job market (690 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $135,031)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Shawnee grew 13.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 33.0% growth in Wichita over the same period.
Shawnee, KS
$103,676 (2024) → $117,234 (2025)
Wichita, KS
$87,270 (2019) → $116,100 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Shawnee, KS
Wichita, KS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Shawnee or Wichita?
What is the hourly rate difference between Shawnee and Wichita?
Should I relocate from Shawnee to Wichita as a nurse practitioner?
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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