Topeka vs Wichita: Pharmacist Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacist salaries between Topeka, KS and Wichita, KS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Topeka, KS | Wichita, KS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $143,397 | $145,006▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $68.94 | $69.71▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $75,782 | $109,192▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $126,391 | $130,078▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $169,313▲ | $163,783 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $172,408▲ | $168,977 |
| Total Employed | 280 | 580▲ |
Verdict
Wichita, KS offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Topeka.
The salary gap between Topeka and Wichita is $1,609 (1.12%). Wichita's median is +1.06% compared to the US national median of $143,489.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Topeka spans $96,626,Wichita spans $59,785. Topeka 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 ($163,027 effective) pays 0.98% more than Topeka ($161,447 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Topeka if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($172,408)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Choose Wichita if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($145,006/year)
- ✓Larger job market (580 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $163,027)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacist salaries in Topeka grew 13.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 10.6% growth in Wichita over the same period.
Topeka, KS
$124,350 (2019) → $140,820 (2025)
Wichita, KS
$128,790 (2019) → $142,400 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Topeka, KS
Wichita, KS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacists more: Topeka or Wichita?
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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