Topeka vs Wichita: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist 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 | $228,423▲ | $216,228 |
| Hourly Rate | $109.82▲ | $103.96 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $138,682 | $181,523▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $203,240 | $204,088▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $291,634▲ | $223,119 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $340,394▲ | $223,119 |
| Total Employed | 21 | 220▲ |
Verdict
Topeka, KS offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Wichita.
The salary gap between Topeka and Wichita is $12,195 (5.64%). Topeka's median is -8.22% compared to the US national median of $248,893.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Topeka spans $201,712,Wichita spans $41,596. 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, Topeka ($251,290 effective) pays 3.37% more than Wichita ($243,100 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Topeka if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($228,423/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($340,394)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $251,290)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Choose Wichita if…
- ✓Larger job market (220 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Topeka grew 15.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 38.2% growth in Wichita over the same period.
Topeka, KS
$188,141 (2024) → $217,132 (2025)
Wichita, KS
$148,750 (2019) → $205,540 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Topeka, KS
Wichita, KS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Topeka or Wichita?
What is the hourly rate difference between Topeka and Wichita?
Should I relocate from Topeka to Wichita as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Topeka vs Wichita?
Written by Alexandra Johnson, MSN, CRNA
Career Analyst
Alexandra Johnson has 10 years of experience as a nurse anesthetist. She specializes in anesthesia for orthopedic surgeries. She works in a regional medical center.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.20% 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 Alexandra Johnson, MSN, CRNA, a licensed nurse anesthetist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov