Creative & Education Topeka, KS Pop. 127,473

College Professor Salary in Topeka, Kansas

The median college professor salary in Topeka, KS is $69,620 per year, which is 17% below the national median and 4.6% below the Kansas state average.

City Median
$69,620
vs State Avg
$-3,356
vs National
$-14,260
Cost of Living
83%

College Professor Pay in Topeka: What to Expect (2026)

Topeka offers a median college professor salary of $69,620, which is $3,356 below the Kansas state average of $72,976. Compared to the national median of $83,880, Topeka pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Topeka's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 83% of the national average. This means the $69,620 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $83,880 in an average-cost city. This makes Topeka an attractive option for college professors seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for college professors in Topeka spans from $37,350 at the 10th percentile to $139,440 at the 90th percentile — a $102,090 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $39,840, while senior college professors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $132,800. With a population of 127,473, Topeka is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

College Professor Salary in Topeka by Experience

In Topeka, an entry-level college professor earns around $39,840, while experienced professionals earn up to $132,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 83% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$39,840
$-8,160 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$71,380
$-14,620 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$132,800
$-27,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Topeka, KS

Percentile Topeka
10th Percentile $37,350
25th Percentile $49,800
Median (50th) $69,620
75th Percentile $99,600
90th Percentile $139,440

College Professor Salary in Other Kansas Cities

Overland Park, KS
$80,525
Pop. 197,238
Olathe, KS
$78,847
Pop. 141,290
Kansas City, KS
$73,814
Pop. 156,607
Wichita, KS
$71,298
Pop. 397,532

How to Become a College Professor in Topeka

Education

Most college professor positions require a doctoral degree. Topeka and the surrounding Kansas area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

TeachingResearchPublishingCurriculum DesignAcademic AdvisingGrant Writing

Job Outlook

Nationally, college professor employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Topeka may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find College Professor Jobs in Topeka

Browse open college professor positions in Topeka, KS:

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Frequently Asked Questions: College Professor Salary in Topeka

How much does a College Professor make in Topeka, KS? ▼
The median college professor salary in Topeka, Kansas is $69,620 per year, which is 17% below the national median of $83,880. Salaries range from $37,350 (10th percentile) to $139,440 (90th percentile).
How much does a College Professor make per hour in Topeka? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $69,620, a college professor in Topeka earns approximately $33 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Topeka compare to the Kansas state average for college professor pay? ▼
Topeka's median college professor salary of $69,620 is 4.6% below the Kansas state average of $72,976. The local cost of living index is 83% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Topeka, KS? ▼
Topeka has a cost of living index of 83% compared to the national average. This means a college professor salary of $69,620 in Topeka has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a college professor in Topeka? ▼
Most college professor positions in Topeka require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Teaching, Research, Publishing, Curriculum Design. The job market is projected to grow 8% nationally over the next decade.