Garden City vs Topeka: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Garden City, KS and Topeka, KS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Garden City, KS | Topeka, KS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $112,640 | $129,905▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $54.16 | $62.45▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $73,386 | $84,578▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $87,021 | $104,137▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $141,664▲ | $130,651 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $163,373▲ | $159,082 |
| Total Employed | 6 | 220▲ |
Verdict
Topeka, KS offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Garden City.
The salary gap between Garden City and Topeka is $17,265 (15.33%). Topeka's median is +3.90% compared to the US national median of $125,033.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Garden City spans $89,987,Topeka spans $74,504. Garden City has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Topeka ($146,256 effective) pays 18.03% more than Garden City ($123,916 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Garden City if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($163,373)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Choose Topeka if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($129,905/year)
- ✓Larger job market (220 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $146,256)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrical engineer salaries in Garden City grew 18.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 36.7% growth in Topeka over the same period.
Garden City, KS
$91,889 (2024) → $108,673 (2025)
Topeka, KS
$91,660 (2019) → $125,330 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Garden City, KS
Topeka, KS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electrical engineers more: Garden City or Topeka?
What is the hourly rate difference between Garden City and Topeka?
Should I relocate from Garden City to Topeka as a electrical engineer?
What do entry-level electrical engineers earn in Garden City vs Topeka?
Written by Amina Patel, MEng, PE
Career Analyst
Amina has over 10 years of experience in power systems engineering. She works at a utility company specializing in renewable energy integration.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.65% 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 Amina Patel, MEng, PE, a licensed electrical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov