Hays vs Topeka: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Hays, KS and Topeka, KS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Hays, KS | Topeka, KS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $57,934 | $65,756▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $27.85 | $31.61▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,839 | $55,376▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $55,969 | $63,029▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $67,238 | $78,514▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $71,444 | $82,742▲ |
| Total Employed | 5 | 840▲ |
Verdict
Topeka, KS offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Hays.
The salary gap between Hays and Topeka is $7,822 (13.50%). 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 Hays spans $21,605,Topeka spans $27,366. Topeka 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, Topeka ($74,033 effective) pays 16.16% more than Hays ($63,734 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Hays 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 Hays grew 23.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 39.4% growth in Topeka over the same period.
Hays, KS
$44,256 (2024) → $54,810 (2025)
Topeka, KS
$44,640 (2019) → $62,210 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Hays or Topeka?
What is the hourly rate difference between Hays and Topeka?
Should I relocate from Hays to Topeka as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Hays 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