Project Manager in Topeka, KS

The Salary Picture: Where Topeka Stands

As a local, I can tell you the first thing you notice about the Topeka job market is its stability. It's not a boomtown like some tech hubs, but it's a solid, predictable market, especially for project managers who anchor operations in government, healthcare, and manufacturing. The median salary for a Project Manager here is $96,995/year, with an hourly rate of $46.63/hour. That’s slightly below the national average of $101,280/year, but the trade-off is a significantly lower cost of living.

To break it down by experience, here's what you can realistically expect to earn in the Topeka area:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Typical Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$65,000 - $80,000	Assisting senior PMs, tracking schedules, managing smaller project components.
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$90,000 - $105,000	Leading mid-sized projects, managing budgets up to $500k, stakeholder communication.
Senior-Level (8+ years)	$110,000 - $135,000	Leading large, complex projects (often over $1M), mentoring PMs, strategic planning.
Expert/Director	$140,000+	Portfolio management, cross-departmental leadership, PMO oversight.

Compared to Other Kansas Cities:

• Wichita: Slightly lower median salary at around $92,000, with a heavier focus on aviation (think Textron, Bombardier). Cost of living is similar.
• Kansas City, MO: A much larger market with higher salaries (median ~$105,000), but also a 30% higher cost of living. The job density is higher (1,200+ jobs in KC metro vs. Topeka's 250), but competition is fiercer.
• Lawrence: Similar salary range to Topeka, but dominated by the University of Kansas and its affiliated services. Less industrial/government focus.

Insider Tip: In Topeka, the $96,995 median is heavily weighted toward experienced PMs in state government and healthcare. If you're targeting a corporate role with a smaller, private company, you might see offers 5-10% below that median. Negotiate based on your specific industry fit.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get real about your monthly budget. The key here is Topeka's cost of living index of 85.9 (US avg = 100). Your paycheck goes further.

Here’s a monthly breakdown for a Project Manager earning the median salary of $96,995/year. (Note: Taxes are estimated for a single filer with standard deduction; actuals vary.)

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Gross Pay	$8,083	($96,995 / 12)
Federal & State Taxes (Est.)	-$2,050	Includes federal, state (6.5% KS), FICA (7.65%).
Take-Home Pay	$6,033	This is your net cash.
Average 1BR Rent	-$731	Citywide median. Can be lower or higher.
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet)	-$200	Topeka's moderate climate helps.
Groceries & Household	-$400
Car Payment/Insurance/Gas	-$450	Essential in Topeka; public transit is limited.
Health Insurance (Employer)	-$250	Pre-tax deduction.
Retirement (5% 401k)	-$404	Pre-tax.
Misc. & Discretionary	-$1,100	Dining, entertainment, savings.
Remaining Buffer	$1,498	This is your true flexibility.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?
Absolutely. The median home price in Topeka is approximately $165,000 (as of recent data). Let's run the numbers for a standard 30-year mortgage on a $200,000 home (allowing for a small starter home or a fixer-upper in a good area):

• Down Payment (10%): $20,000 (You'd want 20%, but 10% is doable for many first-time buyers).
• Loan Amount: $180,000
• Estimated Monthly Mortgage (Principal & Interest @ ~6.5%): ~$1,140
• Property Taxes & Insurance (Est.): ~$300
• Total Housing Payment: ~$1,440

With a take-home of $6,033, a $1,440 mortgage is 23.8% of your net income—well within the recommended 30% threshold. This is a huge advantage over coastal cities where housing can eat 50%+ of a salary.

Where the Jobs Are: Topeka's Major Employers

Topeka's job market is anchored by three pillars: government, healthcare, and manufacturing. The project management demand is directly tied to these sectors. There are approximately 250 Project Manager roles in the metro area at any given time.

1. State of Kansas: The largest employer. Project managers here work on everything from IT system overhauls (like the recent motor vehicle software upgrades) to construction projects for state facilities. Hiring is steady but can be cyclical with state budget cycles. Check the Kansas Department of Administration careers page.

2. Stormont Vail Health & University of Kansas Health System (St. Francis Campus): These two major hospital systems are constantly expanding. PMs are needed for facility expansions (like the new Stormont Vail pavilion), electronic health record (EHR) implementations, and community health initiatives. Hiring is consistent and benefits are top-tier.

3. State Farm Insurance: While their national HQ is in Bloomington, IL, Topeka is a major regional hub for their IT and operations. They hire project managers for software development, claims process improvements, and internal systems. This is one of the best-paying private sector options.

4. Goodyear Tire & Rubber: The Topeka plant is a massive, 24/7 operation. PMs here manage plant upgrades, safety compliance projects, supply chain integrations, and new product line rollouts. It’s a fast-paced, industrial environment.

5. Westar Energy (Now Evergy): The regional utility company. Project managers oversee grid modernization, renewable energy projects (solar farms), and infrastructure maintenance. Stable, with a focus on long-term infrastructure planning.

6. Colgate-Palmolive: Their Topeka plant is a key manufacturing site for consumer goods. PMs manage production line efficiency projects, sustainability initiatives, and plant expansion projects.

Hiring Trends: The 10-year job growth for PMs in Topeka is projected at 6%, which is moderate—keeping pace with the national average but not exploding. The best opportunities are in healthcare IT and state government modernization. If you have a PMP and experience with Agile/Scrum, you'll be at the top of the pile.

Getting Licensed in KS

For project management, "licensing" typically means certification, not state licensure. Kansas does not have a state-specific project manager license. However, the PMP (Project Management Professional) from the Project Management Institute (PMI) is the gold standard and is highly valued by all major employers in Topeka.

Requirements & Costs:

• PMP Certification: Requires a secondary degree (high school diploma, associate’s) with 7,500 hours leading projects and 35 hours of project management education, OR a four-year degree with 4,500 hours and 35 hours of education.
• Cost: Exam fee is $405 for PMI members ($555 for non-members). Study materials (books, online courses) can range from $200 - $1,000. Many local professionals self-study using the PMBOK Guide.
• Timeline: From starting your application to sitting for the exam is typically 3-6 months. The exam itself is 4 hours.

Insider Tip: Topeka has an active PMI chapter (PMI Topeka Chapter). Joining (~$40/year for local chapter dues) gives you access to study groups, networking events, and exam prep workshops—often with discounts on prep courses. This is a huge advantage for a mid-sized city.

Best Neighborhoods for Project Managers

Where you live affects your commute and lifestyle. Topeka is a driving city, but neighborhoods are distinct.

1. Downtown/Westboro:

   • Vibe: Urban, walkable, historic. Close to State government buildings, coffee shops, and local restaurants.
   • Commute: 5-10 minutes to state offices, 15 to hospitals.
   • Rent Estimate: $800 - $1,100 for a 1BR. More apartments than single-family homes.
   • Best For: Younger PMs who want a social scene and a short commute to government jobs.

2. Northwest Topeka (near Washburn University):

   • Vibe: Established residential, academic. Quiet, family-friendly. Close to the university and the popular College Hill park area.
   • Commute: 15-20 minutes to downtown or hospitals.
   • Rent Estimate: $700 - $900 for a 1BR. More townhomes and duplexes.
   • Best For: PMs who work at Stormont Vail or want a quieter, established neighborhood.

3. Southwest Topeka (near the State Capitol & Lake Shawnee):

   • Vibe: Government-centric, suburban. Very close to the Capitol complex and the scenic Lake Shawnee for recreation.
   • Commute: 5-15 minutes to most major employers.
   • Rent Estimate: $750 - $950 for a 1BR. Mix of apartments and older homes.
   • Best For: PMs working for the state or who love outdoor activities. A prime location for balancing work and life.

4. West Topeka (near the Evergy HQ & I-70):

   • Vibe: Commercial and residential mix. Easy highway access for commuting to other cities.
   • Commute: 10-15 minutes to downtown, 20 to hospitals.
   • Rent Estimate: $650 - $850 for a 1BR. More affordable, with newer apartment complexes.
   • Best For: Budget-conscious PMs or those who need easy access to the interstate for business travel.

Insider Tip: Avoid the areas immediately east of the Kansas River unless you have specific local knowledge. The rental market is dynamic, so always check a map against your primary workplace. A 15-minute difference in commute is standard here, which is manageable compared to larger metros.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Topeka isn't a hotbed for specialty premiums like a tech city (where a PM with AI/ML experience commands a 30% premium). Here, premiums come from industry expertise and advanced certifications.

• Specialty Premiums:
  • IT/Software Projects (especially in healthcare/gov): A PM with a PMP and Agile/Scrum certification can command a 10-15% premium over the median. State Farm and hospital systems pay for this.
  • Construction/Engineering PMs: Licensed Professional Engineers (PE) who also manage projects see a 15-20% premium. This is a path to senior roles at firms like McCownGordon or in state DOT projects.
  • Cost Estimation/Supply Chain: Expertise in these areas, common in manufacturing (Goodyear, Colgate), can push salary toward the $110,000+ range.

Advancement Paths:

1. Vertical: Project Manager → Senior PM → Program Manager → Director of PMO (in a large org like State Farm or Stormont Vail). This is the traditional path.
2. Horizontal: Move from IT project management to business operations or product management, especially in healthcare or insurance.
3. Consulting/Contracting: Topeka has a network of government contractors. Experienced PMs can move into contracting, often for higher hourly rates but less stability.

10-Year Outlook:
The 6% job growth is steady. The biggest changes will be in digital transformation. The state government is slowly modernizing its legacy systems, and healthcare is always adopting new tech. PMs who can bridge the gap between technical teams and non-technical stakeholders (like hospital administrators or state officials) will be the most valuable. The rise of remote work is also a factor—some Topeka-based PMs now work for national companies while living here, leveraging the low cost of living.

The Verdict: Is Topeka Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your salary of $96,995 goes much further than in most metros. Homeownership is realistic.	Limited Job Market: With only 250 PM jobs, you may have to be patient or flexible on industry.
Stable Employers: Government, healthcare, and insurance are "recession-resistant" sectors.	Slower Career Growth: Fewer "big leaps" in salary; advancement is more incremental.
Manageable Commute: An average 15-20 minute drive anywhere in the city.	Cultural/Recreational Options: Good, but not as extensive as Kansas City or Wichita. You'll drive for concerts, major sports, etc.
Strong Community: The PMI chapter and professional networks are accessible and active.	Political Climate: The state's conservative politics can be a cultural adjustment for some.

Final Recommendation:
Topeka is an excellent choice for a Project Manager who values stability, affordability, and quality of life over rapid career acceleration. It's ideal for mid-career professionals looking to buy a home, raise a family, and build a solid professional reputation without the stress and cost of a major coastal city. If you're an early-career PM seeking a high-energy startup environment or a senior PM targeting a Fortune 500 C-suite, you might find the ceiling limiting. But for the vast middle? Topeka offers a compelling, financially sensible foundation.

FAQs

Q: Do I need a car in Topeka?
A: Yes, unequivocally. Public transportation (Topeka Metro) exists but is not comprehensive. A car is a necessity for getting to work, groceries, and most social activities.

Q: What's the job search strategy for Topeka?
A: Use a hybrid approach. LinkedIn is key, but also monitor the Kansas Works website (for state jobs), the websites of the major employers listed above, and local job boards like the Topeka Capital-Journal's classifieds. Networking through the PMI Topeka Chapter is invaluable.

Q: How does the PMP certification impact hiring here?
A: It can be the deciding factor, especially for state government and healthcare IT roles. Many job postings list it as "preferred," but for competitive roles (e.g., at State Farm), it's often "required." It's a worthwhile investment.

Q: Are there opportunities for remote work with Topeka companies?
A: Yes, increasingly so. Companies like State Farm and the state government have adopted hybrid models. Some PMs in Topeka also work remotely for companies based in Kansas City or nationally, which expands their options while maintaining the low-cost base.

Q: What's the biggest surprise for newcomers?
A: The sense of community. It's not uncommon to run into colleagues at the grocery store or a local event. The professional network is tight-knit, which can accelerate your reputation if you're engaged. The downside is that anonymity is limited—if you're not a fan of small-town dynamics in a city of 125,000, it might take getting used to.

Sources: Salary data provided; Cost of Living Index from Sperling's BestPlaces; Job growth projections from Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and Kansas Department of Labor; Employer information from company websites and local business journals; Rental data from Zillow and Apartments.com.