Salaries in Topeka, KS

Here’s something you don’t hear every day: Topeka is one of the few places in the US where you can be a marketing manager and afford a mortgage on a single income without breaking a sweat. With a median household income of just $52,417, the top earners here aren’t just doing well—they’re living like kings on a regional salary.

Let’s talk real purchasing power. Topeka’s cost of living index sits at 85.9, meaning your dollar does about 14% more heavy lifting than the national average. That $731 one-bedroom rent isn’t just affordable; it’s a throwback. For a software developer making $121,876, their COL-adjusted salary hits nearly $142,000. That’s serious buying power, especially when the local unemployment rate is a tight 2.9%.

Who actually thrives here? The economy leans on state government—hello, Kansas State Capitol—and insurance, with giants like Collective and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas. Healthcare is big, too, thanks to Stormont Vail Health. But the real stars are the professionals in marketing, pharmacy, and software. It’s a city where your paycheck stretches, but your career options are more niche than in a coastal hub.

Now, the honest catch. While the top jobs pay well, the overall average salary is $66,180. That’s a gap. The city’s 28.5% bachelor’s degree rate suggests there’s room for growth, but wages aren’t exactly racing ahead of inflation. If you’re in a top-paying field, Topeka is a hidden gem. If you’re not, it’s still a financially stable place to live—just don’t expect a bidding war for your talent.

The data below breaks it all down, from entry-level roles to the high-flyers.