Gardner vs Topeka: School Counselor Salary (2026)
Compare school counselor salaries between Gardner, KS and Topeka, KS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Gardner, KS | Topeka, KS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $53,147 | $61,966▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $25.55 | $29.79▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,817 | $45,834▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $44,186 | $50,384▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $67,727▲ | $64,706 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $82,377▲ | $72,946 |
| Total Employed | 6 | 200▲ |
Verdict
Topeka, KS offers better overall compensation for school counselors, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Gardner.
The salary gap between Gardner and Topeka is $8,819 (16.59%). Topeka's median is -3.68% compared to the US national median of $64,335.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Gardner spans $41,560,Topeka spans $27,112. Gardner 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 ($69,766 effective) pays 19.32% more than Gardner ($58,468 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Gardner if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($82,377)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Choose Topeka if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($61,966/year)
- ✓Larger job market (200 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $69,766)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, school counselor salaries in Gardner grew 3.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 13.8% growth in Topeka over the same period.
Gardner, KS
$50,577 (2024) → $52,079 (2025)
Topeka, KS
$53,360 (2019) → $60,721 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Gardner, KS
Topeka, KS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays school counselors more: Gardner or Topeka?
What is the hourly rate difference between Gardner and Topeka?
Should I relocate from Gardner to Topeka as a school counselor?
What do entry-level school counselors earn in Gardner vs Topeka?
Written by Maria Gonzalez, M.Ed.
Content Lead
Maria has over 10 years of experience in school counseling. She specializes in academic and emotional support for high school students. She works at a public high school in California.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.05% 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 Maria Gonzalez, M.Ed., a licensed school counselor with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov