Registered Nurse Salary in Topeka, KS: $67,413 (2026)

Registered Nurse Pay in Topeka: What to Expect (2026)

Topeka offers a median registered nurse salary of $67,413, which is $3,248 below the Kansas state average of $70,661. Compared to the national median of $81,220, 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 $67,413 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $81,220 in an average-cost city. This makes Topeka an attractive option for registered nurses seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for registered nurses in Topeka spans from $47,642 at the 10th percentile to $100,264 at the 90th percentile — a $52,622 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $48,140, while senior registered nurses with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $95,450. With a population of 127,473, Topeka is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Registered Nurse Salary in Topeka by Experience

In Topeka, an entry-level registered nurse earns around $48,140, while experienced professionals earn up to $95,450 per year. The local cost of living index is 83% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$48,140

$-9,860 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$68,060

$-13,940 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$95,450

$-19,550 vs national

Percentile	Topeka	KS State	National
10th Percentile	$47,642	$49,938	$57,400
25th Percentile	$55,444	$58,116	$66,800
Median (50th)	$67,413	$70,661	$81,220
75th Percentile	$83,913	$87,957	$101,100
90th Percentile	$100,264	$105,096	$120,800

Percentile

Topeka

10th Percentile

$47,642

25th Percentile

$55,444

Median (50th)

$67,413

75th Percentile

$83,913

90th Percentile

$100,264

How to Become a Registered Nurse in Topeka

Education

Most registered nurse positions require a bachelor's degree. Topeka and the surrounding Kansas area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Patient AssessmentMedication AdministrationCritical ThinkingCommunicationEMR SystemsBLS/ACLS

Job Outlook

Nationally, registered nurse employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Topeka may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Registered Nurse Salary in Topeka

How much does a Registered Nurse make in Topeka, KS? ▼

The median registered nurse salary in Topeka, Kansas is $67,413 per year, which is 17% below the national median of $81,220. Salaries range from $47,642 (10th percentile) to $100,264 (90th percentile).

How much does a Registered Nurse make per hour in Topeka? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $67,413, a registered nurse in Topeka earns approximately $32 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Topeka compare to the Kansas state average for registered nurse pay? ▼

Topeka's median registered nurse salary of $67,413 is 4.6% below the Kansas state average of $70,661. 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 registered nurse salary of $67,413 in Topeka has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a registered nurse in Topeka? ▼

Most registered nurse positions in Topeka require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Patient Assessment, Medication Administration, Critical Thinking, Communication. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.

Registered Nurse Salary in Topeka, Kansas