Garden City vs Wichita: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Garden City, KS and Wichita, KS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Garden City, KS | Wichita, KS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $61,324 | $63,748▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $29.48 | $30.64▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,663 | $53,167▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $56,505▲ | $55,968 |
| 75th Percentile | $71,851▲ | $68,293 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $75,135 | $80,681▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 1,690▲ |
Verdict
Wichita, KS offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Garden City.
The salary gap between Garden City and Wichita is $2,424 (3.95%). Wichita's median is -6.35% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Garden City spans $26,472,Wichita spans $27,514. Wichita has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced licensed practical nurses.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Wichita ($71,670 effective) pays 6.24% more than Garden City ($67,463 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 Wichita if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($63,748/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($80,681)
- ✓Larger job market (1,690 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $71,670)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Garden City grew 23.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 36.7% growth in Wichita over the same period.
Garden City, KS
$46,845 (2024) → $58,017 (2025)
Wichita, KS
$44,120 (2019) → $60,310 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Garden City, KS
Wichita, KS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Garden City or Wichita?
What is the hourly rate difference between Garden City and Wichita?
Should I relocate from Garden City to Wichita as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Garden City vs Wichita?
Written by Aisha Malik, LPN
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience as a licensed practical nurse. She specializes in pediatric nursing. Aisha has worked in various outpatient clinics.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.70% 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 Aisha Malik, LPN, a licensed licensed practical nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov