Junction City vs Wichita: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse salaries between Junction City, KS and Wichita, KS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Junction City, KS | Wichita, KS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $88,063▲ | $80,604 |
| Hourly Rate | $42.33▲ | $38.75 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $63,288 | $63,502▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $77,443▲ | $69,115 |
| 75th Percentile | $100,544▲ | $86,596 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $119,192▲ | $104,815 |
| Total Employed | 6 | 7,460▲ |
Verdict
Junction City, KS offers better overall compensation for registered nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Wichita.
The salary gap between Junction City and Wichita is $7,459 (9.25%). Junction City's median is -14.28% compared to the US national median of $102,730.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Junction City spans $55,904,Wichita spans $41,313. Junction City 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, Junction City ($96,879 effective) pays 6.91% more than Wichita ($90,621 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Junction City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($88,063/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($119,192)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $96,879)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Choose Wichita if…
- ✓Larger job market (7,460 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, registered nurse salaries in Junction City grew 33.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 35.6% growth in Wichita over the same period.
Junction City, KS
$62,578 (2024) → $83,623 (2025)
Wichita, KS
$56,460 (2019) → $76,540 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Junction City, KS
Wichita, KS
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Jordan Lee, RN, BSN
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience as a registered nurse. Their specialty is pediatric nursing in a community hospital. They analyze nursing workforce trends and salary data.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.31% 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 Jordan Lee, RN, BSN, a licensed registered nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov