Garden City vs Topeka: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist 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 | $61,387 | $62,537▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $29.51 | $30.07▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,804▲ | $41,303 |
| 25th Percentile | $52,188 | $53,918▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $75,127 | $79,175▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $87,348 | $96,932▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 21▲ |
Verdict
Topeka, KS offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Garden City.
The salary gap between Garden City and Topeka is $1,150 (1.87%). Topeka's median is -8.22% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Garden City spans $42,544,Topeka spans $55,629. Topeka has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced surgical technologists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Topeka ($68,798 effective) pays 1.87% more than Garden City ($67,532 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Garden City if…
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Choose Topeka if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($62,537/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($96,932)
- ✓Larger job market (21 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $68,798)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Garden City grew 24.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 34.2% growth in Topeka over the same period.
Garden City, KS
$46,845 (2024) → $58,242 (2025)
Topeka, KS
$44,200 (2019) → $59,333 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Garden City, KS
Topeka, KS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists 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 surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Garden City vs Topeka?
Written by Jessica Thompson, BA, CST
Career Analyst
Jessica has over 10 years of experience as a surgical technologist. She specializes in orthopedic surgical procedures. Jessica works at a community hospital.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.40% 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 Jessica Thompson, BA, CST, a licensed surgical technologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov