Manhattan vs Wichita: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant salaries between Manhattan, KS and Wichita, KS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Manhattan, KS | Wichita, KS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $128,326▲ | $125,678 |
| Hourly Rate | $61.69▲ | $60.42 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $91,892 | $99,084▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $111,922▲ | $103,010 |
| 75th Percentile | $152,208▲ | $135,814 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $174,332▲ | $167,120 |
| Total Employed | 14 | 240▲ |
Verdict
Manhattan, KS offers better overall compensation for physician assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Wichita.
The salary gap between Manhattan and Wichita is $2,648 (2.11%). Manhattan's median is -8.59% 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,Wichita spans $68,036. 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, Wichita ($141,297 effective) pays 0.09% 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…
- ✓Higher median salary ($128,326/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($174,332)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Choose Wichita if…
- ✓Larger job market (240 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $141,297)
- ✓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 22.6% growth in Wichita over the same period.
Manhattan, KS
$101,940 (2019) → $124,202 (2025)
Wichita, KS
$99,230 (2019) → $121,640 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Manhattan, KS
Wichita, KS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: Manhattan or Wichita?
What is the hourly rate difference between Manhattan and Wichita?
Should I relocate from Manhattan to Wichita as a physician assistant?
What do entry-level physician assistants earn in Manhattan vs Wichita?
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