Salina vs Topeka: Lawyer Salary (2026)
Compare lawyer salaries between Salina, KS and Topeka, KS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Salina, KS | Topeka, KS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $147,043▲ | $107,318 |
| Hourly Rate | $70.69▲ | $51.60 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $85,284▲ | $80,075 |
| 25th Percentile | $105,871▲ | $90,272 |
| 75th Percentile | $188,215▲ | $135,199 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $227,916▲ | $171,886 |
| Total Employed | 11 | 680▲ |
Verdict
Salina, KS offers better overall compensation for lawyers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Topeka.
The salary gap between Salina and Topeka is $39,725 (37.02%). Salina's median is -12.04% compared to the US national median of $167,174.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Salina spans $142,632,Topeka spans $91,811. Salina 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, Salina ($161,763 effective) pays 33.88% more than Topeka ($120,826 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Salina if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($147,043/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($227,916)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $161,763)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Choose Topeka if…
- ✓Larger job market (680 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, lawyer salaries in Salina grew 35.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 26.3% growth in Topeka over the same period.
Salina, KS
$103,790 (2024) → $140,442 (2025)
Topeka, KS
$81,150 (2019) → $102,500 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Salina, KS
Topeka, KS
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Alexandra Chen, JD
Career Analyst
Alexandra has 10 years of experience in corporate law. She specializes in mergers and acquisitions. Alexandra works at a mid-sized law firm in New York City.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.70% 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 Alexandra Chen, JD, a licensed lawyer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov