Kansas City vs Topeka: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant salaries between Kansas City, KS and Topeka, KS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Kansas City, KS | Topeka, KS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $138,653▲ | $134,109 |
| Hourly Rate | $66.66▲ | $64.48 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $95,861 | $99,177▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $118,197▲ | $118,053 |
| 75th Percentile | $167,587▲ | $142,148 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $194,641▲ | $181,420 |
| Total Employed | 25 | 60▲ |
Verdict
Kansas City, KS offers better overall compensation for physician assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Topeka.
The salary gap between Kansas City and Topeka is $4,544 (3.39%). Kansas City's median is -1.24% compared to the US national median of $140,391.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Kansas City spans $98,780,Topeka spans $82,243. 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 ($152,534 effective) pays 1.02% more than Topeka ($150,990 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 ($138,653/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($194,641)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $152,534)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Choose Topeka if…
- ✓Larger job market (60 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physician assistant salaries in Kansas City grew 23.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 11.4% growth in Topeka over the same period.
Kansas City, KS
$109,024 (2024) → $134,198 (2025)
Topeka, KS
$116,510 (2019) → $129,800 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Kansas City, KS
Topeka, KS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: Kansas City or Topeka?
What is the hourly rate difference between Kansas City and Topeka?
Should I relocate from Kansas City to Topeka as a physician assistant?
What do entry-level physician assistants earn in Kansas City vs Topeka?
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