Creative & Education Topeka, KS Pop. 127,473

Social Worker Salary in Topeka, Kansas

The median social worker salary in Topeka, KS is $45,941 per year, which is 17% below the national median and 4.6% below the Kansas state average.

City Median
$45,941
vs State Avg
$-2,214
vs National
$-9,409
Cost of Living
83%

Social Worker Pay in Topeka: What to Expect (2026)

Topeka offers a median social worker salary of $45,941, which is $2,214 below the Kansas state average of $48,155. Compared to the national median of $55,350, 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 $45,941 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $55,351 in an average-cost city. This makes Topeka an attractive option for social workers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for social workers in Topeka spans from $30,212 at the 10th percentile to $72,874 at the 90th percentile — a $42,662 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $31,540, while senior social workers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $68,060. With a population of 127,473, Topeka is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Social Worker Salary in Topeka by Experience

In Topeka, an entry-level social worker earns around $31,540, while experienced professionals earn up to $68,060 per year. The local cost of living index is 83% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$31,540
$-6,460 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$46,480
$-9,520 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$68,060
$-13,940 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Topeka, KS

Percentile Topeka
10th Percentile $30,212
25th Percentile $36,686
Median (50th) $45,941
75th Percentile $58,432
90th Percentile $72,874

Social Worker Salary in Other Kansas Cities

Overland Park, KS
$53,136
Pop. 197,238
Olathe, KS
$52,029
Pop. 141,290
Kansas City, KS
$48,708
Pop. 156,607
Wichita, KS
$47,048
Pop. 397,532

How to Become a Social Worker in Topeka

Education

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

Key Skills

Case ManagementCounselingCrisis InterventionCommunity ResourcesAdvocacyDocumentation

Job Outlook

Nationally, social worker employment is projected to grow 7% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Topeka may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Social Worker Jobs in Topeka

Browse open social worker positions in Topeka, KS:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Social Worker Salary in Topeka

How much does a Social Worker make in Topeka, KS? ▼
The median social worker salary in Topeka, Kansas is $45,941 per year, which is 17% below the national median of $55,350. Salaries range from $30,212 (10th percentile) to $72,874 (90th percentile).
How much does a Social Worker make per hour in Topeka? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $45,941, a social worker in Topeka earns approximately $22 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Topeka compare to the Kansas state average for social worker pay? ▼
Topeka's median social worker salary of $45,941 is 4.6% below the Kansas state average of $48,155. 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 social worker salary of $45,941 in Topeka has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a social worker in Topeka? ▼
Most social worker positions in Topeka require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Case Management, Counseling, Crisis Intervention, Community Resources. The job market is projected to grow 7% nationally over the next decade.