Overland Park vs Topeka: Graphic Designer Salary (2026)
Compare graphic designer 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 | $60,120▲ | $57,499 |
| Hourly Rate | $28.90▲ | $27.65 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,447 | $37,530▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $44,747 | $46,874▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $76,954▲ | $69,251 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $93,186 | $105,985▲ |
| Total Employed | 29 | 110▲ |
Verdict
Overland Park and Topeka are closely matched on overall graphic designer compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Overland Park and Topeka is $2,621 (4.56%). Overland Park's median is -7.61% compared to the US national median of $65,075.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Overland Park spans $57,739,Topeka spans $68,455. Topeka has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced graphic designers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Overland Park ($66,139 effective) pays 2.17% more than Topeka ($64,737 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 ($60,120/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $66,139)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Choose Topeka if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($105,985)
- ✓Larger job market (110 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, graphic designer salaries in Overland Park grew 21.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 17.4% growth in Topeka over the same period.
Overland Park, KS
$48,040 (2024) → $58,166 (2025)
Topeka, KS
$47,390 (2019) → $55,630 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Overland Park, KS
Topeka, KS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays graphic designers more: Overland Park or Topeka?
What is the hourly rate difference between Overland Park and Topeka?
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What do entry-level graphic designers earn in Overland Park vs Topeka?
Written by Jordan Lee, MFA
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience in graphic design. They specialize in branding and visual identity. Their work includes freelance projects for small businesses.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.36% 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, MFA, a licensed graphic designer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov