Overland Park vs Topeka: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)
Compare athletic trainer salaries between Overland Park, KS and Topeka, KS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Overland Park, KS | Topeka, KS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $60,434▲ | $60,036 |
| Hourly Rate | $29.06▲ | $28.87 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,100▲ | $43,185 |
| 25th Percentile | $51,137 | $53,893▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $72,240 | $73,592▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $89,936▲ | $88,530 |
| Total Employed | 29▲ | 21 |
Verdict
Overland Park, KS offers better overall compensation for athletic trainers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Topeka.
The salary gap between Overland Park and Topeka is $398 (0.66%). Overland Park's median is -7.61% compared to the US national median of $65,415.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Overland Park spans $45,836,Topeka spans $45,345. Overland Park 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, Overland Park ($66,484 effective) pays 0.66% more than Topeka ($66,046 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Overland Park if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($60,434/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($89,936)
- ✓Larger job market (29 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $66,484)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Choose Topeka if…
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, athletic trainer salaries in Overland Park grew 20.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 20.2% growth in Topeka over the same period.
Overland Park, KS
$48,040 (2024) → $57,760 (2025)
Topeka, KS
$47,723 (2024) → $57,379 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Overland Park, KS
Topeka, KS
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Jordan Lee, MS, ATC
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has over 10 years of experience in athletic training. She specializes in injury prevention and rehabilitation. She has worked at several high schools and collegiate athletic programs.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.63% 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, MS, ATC, a licensed athletic trainer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov