Teacher (K-12) Salary in Topeka, KS: $51,203 (2026)

Teacher (K-12) Pay in Topeka: What to Expect (2026)

Topeka offers a median teacher (k-12) salary of $51,203, which is $2,467 below the Kansas state average of $53,670. Compared to the national median of $61,690, 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 $51,203 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $61,690 in an average-cost city. This makes Topeka an attractive option for teacher (k-12)s seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for teacher (k-12)s in Topeka spans from $34,362 at the 10th percentile to $83,830 at the 90th percentile — a $49,468 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $34,860, while senior teacher (k-12)s with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $76,360. With a population of 127,473, Topeka is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Teacher (K-12) Salary in Topeka by Experience

In Topeka, an entry-level teacher (k-12) earns around $34,860, while experienced professionals earn up to $76,360 per year. The local cost of living index is 83% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$34,860

$-7,140 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$51,460

$-10,540 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$76,360

$-15,640 vs national

Percentile	Topeka	KS State	National
10th Percentile	$34,362	$36,018	$41,400
25th Percentile	$40,504	$42,456	$48,800
Median (50th)	$51,203	$53,670	$61,690
75th Percentile	$65,736	$68,904	$79,200
90th Percentile	$83,830	$87,870	$101,000

Percentile

Topeka

10th Percentile

$34,362

25th Percentile

$40,504

Median (50th)

$51,203

75th Percentile

$65,736

90th Percentile

$83,830

How to Become a Teacher (K-12) in Topeka

Education

Most teacher (k-12) positions require a bachelor's degree. Topeka and the surrounding Kansas area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Lesson PlanningClassroom ManagementAssessmentDifferentiated InstructionCommunicationEducational Technology

Job Outlook

Nationally, teacher (k-12) employment is projected to grow 1% over the next decade (slower than average). Demand in Topeka may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Teacher (K-12) Salary in Topeka

How much does a Teacher (K-12) make in Topeka, KS? ▼

The median teacher (k-12) salary in Topeka, Kansas is $51,203 per year, which is 17% below the national median of $61,690. Salaries range from $34,362 (10th percentile) to $83,830 (90th percentile).

How much does a Teacher (K-12) make per hour in Topeka? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $51,203, a teacher (k-12) in Topeka earns approximately $25 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Topeka compare to the Kansas state average for teacher (k-12) pay? ▼

Topeka's median teacher (k-12) salary of $51,203 is 4.6% below the Kansas state average of $53,670. 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 teacher (k-12) salary of $51,203 in Topeka has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a teacher (k-12) in Topeka? ▼

Most teacher (k-12) positions in Topeka require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Lesson Planning, Classroom Management, Assessment, Differentiated Instruction. The job market is projected to grow 1% nationally over the next decade.

Teacher (K-12) Salary in Topeka, Kansas