Leavenworth vs Topeka: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse salaries between Leavenworth, KS and Topeka, KS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Leavenworth, KS | Topeka, KS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $91,323▲ | $86,165 |
| Hourly Rate | $43.90▲ | $41.43 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $63,962 | $70,631▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $74,047 | $82,721▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $102,885 | $105,900▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $128,653▲ | $109,817 |
| Total Employed | 8 | 3,190▲ |
Verdict
Leavenworth, KS offers better overall compensation for registered nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Topeka.
The salary gap between Leavenworth and Topeka is $5,158 (5.99%). Leavenworth's median is -11.10% compared to the US national median of $102,730.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Leavenworth spans $64,691,Topeka spans $39,186. Leavenworth 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, Leavenworth ($100,465 effective) pays 3.56% more than Topeka ($97,011 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Leavenworth if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($91,323/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($128,653)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $100,465)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Choose Topeka if…
- ✓Larger job market (3,190 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, registered nurse salaries in Leavenworth grew 33.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 27.4% growth in Topeka over the same period.
Leavenworth, KS
$64,894 (2024) → $86,718 (2025)
Topeka, KS
$64,210 (2019) → $81,820 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Leavenworth, KS
Topeka, 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