Junction City vs Topeka: Occupational Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapist salaries between Junction City, KS and Topeka, KS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Junction City, KS | Topeka, KS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $88,638 | $102,102▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $42.62 | $49.09▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,439 | $68,762▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $77,848 | $86,241▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $102,157 | $108,409▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $112,131 | $128,351▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 120▲ |
Verdict
Topeka, KS offers better overall compensation for occupational therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Junction City.
The salary gap between Junction City and Topeka is $13,464 (15.19%). Topeka's median is -1.26% compared to the US national median of $103,400.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Junction City spans $47,692,Topeka spans $59,589. Topeka has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced occupational therapists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Topeka ($114,954 effective) pays 17.89% more than Junction City ($97,512 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Junction City if…
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Choose Topeka if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($102,102/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($128,351)
- ✓Larger job market (120 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $114,954)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapist salaries in Junction City grew 18.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 6.5% growth in Topeka over the same period.
Junction City, KS
$72,864 (2024) → $86,006 (2025)
Topeka, KS
$93,000 (2019) → $99,070 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Junction City, KS
Topeka, KS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapists more: Junction City or Topeka?
What is the hourly rate difference between Junction City and Topeka?
Should I relocate from Junction City to Topeka as a occupational therapist?
What do entry-level occupational therapists earn in Junction City vs Topeka?
Written by Jordan Miller, OTR/L
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience in occupational therapy. They specialize in pediatrics and work in a rehabilitation clinic.
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 Miller, OTR/L, a licensed occupational therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov