Overland Park vs Topeka: School Counselor Salary (2026)
Compare school counselor 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 | $58,248 | $61,966▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $28.00 | $29.79▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,463 | $45,834▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $44,397 | $50,384▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $74,558▲ | $64,706 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $90,285▲ | $72,946 |
| Total Employed | 29 | 200▲ |
Verdict
Topeka, KS offers better overall compensation for school counselors, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Overland Park.
The salary gap between Overland Park and Topeka is $3,718 (6.38%). 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 Overland Park spans $51,822,Topeka spans $27,112. 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, Topeka ($69,766 effective) pays 8.87% more than Overland Park ($64,079 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Overland Park if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($90,285)
- ✓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 Overland Park grew 3.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 13.8% growth in Topeka over the same period.
Overland Park, KS
$55,431 (2024) → $57,078 (2025)
Topeka, KS
$53,360 (2019) → $60,721 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Overland Park, KS
Topeka, KS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays school counselors more: Overland Park or Topeka?
What is the hourly rate difference between Overland Park and Topeka?
Should I relocate from Overland Park to Topeka as a school counselor?
What do entry-level school counselors earn in Overland Park 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