Manhattan vs Topeka: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Manhattan, KS and Topeka, KS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Manhattan, KS | Topeka, KS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $64,932 | $65,756▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $31.21 | $31.61▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,089 | $55,376▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $57,120 | $63,029▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $79,233▲ | $78,514 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $82,118 | $82,742▲ |
| Total Employed | 230 | 840▲ |
Verdict
Topeka, KS offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Manhattan.
The salary gap between Manhattan and Topeka is $824 (1.27%). Topeka's median is -3.40% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Manhattan spans $30,029,Topeka spans $27,366. Manhattan 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, Topeka ($74,033 effective) pays 2.80% more than Manhattan ($72,017 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Manhattan if…
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Choose Topeka if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($65,756/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($82,742)
- ✓Larger job market (840 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $74,033)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Manhattan grew 42.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 39.4% growth in Topeka over the same period.
Manhattan, KS
$43,060 (2019) → $61,430 (2025)
Topeka, KS
$44,640 (2019) → $62,210 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Manhattan, KS
Topeka, KS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Manhattan or Topeka?
What is the hourly rate difference between Manhattan and Topeka?
Should I relocate from Manhattan to Topeka as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Manhattan vs Topeka?
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