Overland Park vs Topeka: Veterinarian Salary (2026)
Compare veterinarian salaries between Overland Park, KS and Topeka, KS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Overland Park, KS | Topeka, KS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $126,877▲ | $113,994 |
| Hourly Rate | $61.00▲ | $54.81 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $73,589 | $84,976▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $94,552▲ | $90,243 |
| 75th Percentile | $162,319▲ | $133,755 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $196,659 | $216,504▲ |
| Total Employed | 29 | 80▲ |
Verdict
Overland Park and Topeka are closely matched on overall veterinarian compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Overland Park and Topeka is $12,883 (11.30%). Overland Park's median is -7.61% compared to the US national median of $137,334.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Overland Park spans $123,070,Topeka spans $131,528. Topeka has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced veterinarians.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Overland Park ($139,579 effective) pays 8.75% more than Topeka ($128,343 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Overland Park if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($126,877/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $139,579)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Choose Topeka if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($216,504)
- ✓Larger job market (80 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinarian salaries in Overland Park grew 27.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -9.5% growth in Topeka over the same period.
Overland Park, KS
$94,233 (2024) → $120,194 (2025)
Topeka, KS
$119,310 (2019) → $107,990 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Overland Park, KS
Topeka, KS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays veterinarians more: Overland Park or Topeka?
What is the hourly rate difference between Overland Park and Topeka?
Should I relocate from Overland Park to Topeka as a veterinarian?
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Written by Dr. Alice Nguyen, DVM
Career Analyst
Dr. Alice Nguyen has 10 years of experience in veterinary medicine. She specializes in small animal surgery. She currently works at a suburban veterinary clinic.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.56% 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 Dr. Alice Nguyen, DVM, a licensed veterinarian with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov