Garden City vs Topeka: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Garden City, KS and Topeka, KS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Garden City, KS | Topeka, KS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $94,851 | $99,970▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $45.60 | $48.06▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $73,149 | $75,298▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $79,916 | $88,382▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $110,990 | $116,292▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $118,002 | $127,768▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 190▲ |
Verdict
Topeka, KS offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Garden City.
The salary gap between Garden City and Topeka is $5,119 (5.40%). Topeka's median is -5.05% compared to the US national median of $105,288.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Garden City spans $44,853,Topeka spans $52,470. Topeka has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced physical therapists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Topeka ($112,553 effective) pays 7.87% more than Garden City ($104,347 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Garden City if…
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Choose Topeka if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($99,970/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($127,768)
- ✓Larger job market (190 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $112,553)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Garden City grew 16.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 6.5% growth in Topeka over the same period.
Garden City, KS
$79,277 (2024) → $92,574 (2025)
Topeka, KS
$91,590 (2019) → $97,570 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Garden City, KS
Topeka, KS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Garden City or Topeka?
What is the hourly rate difference between Garden City and Topeka?
Should I relocate from Garden City to Topeka as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Garden City vs Topeka?
Written by Alex Morgan, DPT
Career Analyst
Alex Morgan has over 10 years of experience in physical therapy. They specialize in orthopedic rehabilitation. Alex works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.46% 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 Alex Morgan, DPT, a licensed physical therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov