Lenexa vs Topeka: Pharmacist Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacist salaries between Lenexa, KS and Topeka, KS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lenexa, KS | Topeka, KS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $130,557 | $143,397▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $62.77 | $68.94▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $89,564▲ | $75,782 |
| 25th Percentile | $117,073 | $126,391▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $149,380 | $169,313▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $167,811 | $172,408▲ |
| Total Employed | 12 | 280▲ |
Verdict
Topeka, KS offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Lenexa.
The salary gap between Lenexa and Topeka is $12,840 (9.83%). 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 Lenexa spans $78,247,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 12.41% more than Lenexa ($143,627 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lenexa if…
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Choose Topeka if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($143,397/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($172,408)
- ✓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 Lenexa grew 10.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 13.2% growth in Topeka over the same period.
Lenexa, KS
$116,465 (2024) → $128,211 (2025)
Topeka, KS
$124,350 (2019) → $140,820 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lenexa, KS
Topeka, KS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacists more: Lenexa or Topeka?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lenexa and Topeka?
Should I relocate from Lenexa to Topeka as a pharmacist?
What do entry-level pharmacists earn in Lenexa 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