Manhattan vs Topeka: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant salaries between Manhattan, KS and Topeka, KS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Manhattan, KS | Topeka, KS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $128,326 | $134,109▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $61.69 | $64.48▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $91,892 | $99,177▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $111,922 | $118,053▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $152,208▲ | $142,148 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $174,332 | $181,420▲ |
| Total Employed | 14 | 60▲ |
Verdict
Topeka, KS offers better overall compensation for physician assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Manhattan.
The salary gap between Manhattan and Topeka is $5,783 (4.51%). Topeka's median is -4.47% compared to the US national median of $140,391.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Manhattan spans $82,440,Topeka spans $82,243. Manhattan 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, Topeka ($150,990 effective) pays 6.95% more than Manhattan ($141,173 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Manhattan if…
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Choose Topeka if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($134,109/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($181,420)
- ✓Larger job market (60 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $150,990)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physician assistant salaries in Manhattan grew 21.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 11.4% growth in Topeka over the same period.
Manhattan, KS
$101,940 (2019) → $124,202 (2025)
Topeka, KS
$116,510 (2019) → $129,800 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Manhattan, KS
Topeka, KS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: Manhattan or Topeka?
What is the hourly rate difference between Manhattan and Topeka?
Should I relocate from Manhattan to Topeka as a physician assistant?
What do entry-level physician assistants earn in Manhattan 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