Hays vs Topeka: Pharmacy Technician Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacy technician salaries between Hays, KS and Topeka, KS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Hays, KS | Topeka, KS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $41,055 | $49,124▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $19.74 | $23.62▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,972 | $37,231▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $36,691 | $40,384▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $44,149 | $51,792▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $52,116 | $70,835▲ |
| Total Employed | 5 | 350▲ |
Verdict
Topeka, KS offers better overall compensation for pharmacy technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Hays.
The salary gap between Hays and Topeka is $8,069 (19.65%). Topeka's median is +1.83% compared to the US national median of $48,239.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hays spans $16,144,Topeka spans $33,604. Topeka has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced pharmacy technicians.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Topeka ($55,307 effective) pays 22.46% more than Hays ($45,165 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Hays if…
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Choose Topeka if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($49,124/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($70,835)
- ✓Larger job market (350 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $55,307)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacy technician salaries in Hays grew 20.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 34.8% growth in Topeka over the same period.
Hays, KS
$32,341 (2024) → $38,937 (2025)
Topeka, KS
$34,550 (2019) → $46,590 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacy technicians more: Hays or Topeka?
What is the hourly rate difference between Hays and Topeka?
Should I relocate from Hays to Topeka as a pharmacy technician?
What do entry-level pharmacy technicians earn in Hays vs Topeka?
Written by Emily Tran, PharmD
Career Analyst
Emily Tran has over 8 years of experience as a pharmacy technician. She specializes in medication therapy management. Her experience includes working in community pharmacies.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.44% 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 Emily Tran, PharmD, a licensed pharmacy technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov