Garden City vs Topeka: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer 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 | $70,757▲ | $65,876 |
| Hourly Rate | $34.02▲ | $31.67 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,284 | $48,768▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $55,271▲ | $53,261 |
| 75th Percentile | $89,878▲ | $80,954 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $101,442▲ | $100,855 |
| Total Employed | 6 | 610▲ |
Verdict
Garden City, KS offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Topeka.
The salary gap between Garden City and Topeka is $4,881 (7.41%). Garden City's median is -9.91% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Garden City spans $56,158,Topeka spans $52,087. 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, Garden City ($77,840 effective) pays 4.95% more than Topeka ($74,168 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Garden City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($70,757/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($101,442)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $77,840)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Choose Topeka if…
- ✓Larger job market (610 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Garden City grew 38.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 33.8% growth in Topeka over the same period.
Garden City, KS
$49,548 (2024) → $68,656 (2025)
Topeka, KS
$47,760 (2019) → $63,920 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Garden City, KS
Topeka, KS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers 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 police officer?
What do entry-level police officers earn in Garden City vs Topeka?
Written by Jordan Lee, BA Criminal Justice
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has over 10 years of experience in law enforcement. They specialize in community policing strategies. Jordan works with a municipal police department.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.06% 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 Jordan Lee, BA Criminal Justice, a licensed police officer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov