Kansas City vs Topeka: Pharmacist Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacist 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 | $142,915 | $143,397▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $68.70 | $68.94▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $95,061▲ | $75,782 |
| 25th Percentile | $126,091 | $126,391▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $164,328 | $169,313▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $176,733▲ | $172,408 |
| Total Employed | 25 | 280▲ |
Verdict
Topeka, KS offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Kansas City.
The salary gap between Kansas City and Topeka is $482 (0.34%). Topeka's median is -0.06% compared to the US national median of $143,489.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Kansas City spans $81,672,Topeka spans $96,626. Topeka has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced pharmacists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Topeka ($161,447 effective) pays 2.69% more than Kansas City ($157,222 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Kansas City if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($176,733)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Choose Topeka if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($143,397/year)
- ✓Larger job market (280 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $161,447)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacist salaries in Kansas City grew 18.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 13.2% growth in Topeka over the same period.
Kansas City, KS
$118,263 (2024) → $140,347 (2025)
Topeka, KS
$124,350 (2019) → $140,820 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Kansas City, KS
Topeka, KS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacists 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 pharmacist?
What do entry-level pharmacists earn in Kansas City vs Topeka?
Written by Sofia Chen, PharmD
Career Analyst
Sofia Chen has 10 years of experience in community pharmacy. She specializes in medication therapy management.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 1.83% 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 Sofia Chen, PharmD, a licensed pharmacist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov