Garden City vs Olathe: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant salaries between Garden City, KS and Olathe, KS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Garden City, KS | Olathe, KS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $126,475 | $128,052▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $60.80 | $61.57▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $95,021 | $95,988▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $112,931 | $114,807▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $151,451 | $152,774▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $167,803 | $184,691▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 33▲ |
Verdict
Olathe, KS offers better overall compensation for physician assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Garden City.
The salary gap between Garden City and Olathe is $1,577 (1.25%). Olathe's median is -8.79% compared to the US national median of $140,391.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Garden City spans $72,782,Olathe spans $88,703. Olathe has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced physician assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Olathe ($140,871 effective) pays 1.25% more than Garden City ($139,136 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 Olathe if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($128,052/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($184,691)
- ✓Larger job market (33 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $140,871)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physician assistant salaries in Garden City grew 15.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 15.2% growth in Olathe over the same period.
Garden City, KS
$106,303 (2024) → $122,411 (2025)
Olathe, KS
$107,628 (2024) → $123,937 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Garden City, KS
Olathe, KS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: Garden City or Olathe?
What is the hourly rate difference between Garden City and Olathe?
Should I relocate from Garden City to Olathe as a physician assistant?
What do entry-level physician assistants earn in Garden City vs Olathe?
Written by Jessica Tran, MPAS, PA-C
Career Analyst
Jessica has 10 years of experience as a physician assistant. Her specialty is cardiology in an outpatient setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.32% 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 Jessica Tran, MPAS, PA-C, a licensed physician assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov