Overland Park vs Wichita: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse salaries between Overland Park, KS and Wichita, KS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Overland Park, KS | Wichita, KS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $94,907▲ | $80,604 |
| Hourly Rate | $45.63▲ | $38.75 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $63,310 | $63,502▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $74,826▲ | $69,115 |
| 75th Percentile | $109,423▲ | $86,596 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $140,223▲ | $104,815 |
| Total Employed | 29 | 7,460▲ |
Verdict
Overland Park, KS offers better overall compensation for registered nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Wichita.
The salary gap between Overland Park and Wichita is $14,303 (17.74%). Overland Park's median is -7.62% compared to the US national median of $102,730.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Overland Park spans $76,913,Wichita spans $41,313. Overland Park 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, Overland Park ($104,408 effective) pays 15.21% 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 Overland Park if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($94,907/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($140,223)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $104,408)
- ✓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 Overland Park grew 33.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 35.6% growth in Wichita over the same period.
Overland Park, KS
$67,441 (2024) → $90,122 (2025)
Wichita, KS
$56,460 (2019) → $76,540 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Overland Park, 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