Manhattan vs Topeka: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Manhattan, KS and Topeka, KS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Manhattan, KS | Topeka, KS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $39,322 | $48,360▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $18.91 | $23.25▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,089 | $39,301▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $33,433 | $41,442▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $40,403 | $48,685▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $45,798 | $48,696▲ |
| Total Employed | 120 | 470▲ |
Verdict
Topeka, KS offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Manhattan.
The salary gap between Manhattan and Topeka is $9,038 (22.98%). Topeka's median is +0.83% compared to the US national median of $47,961.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Manhattan spans $13,709,Topeka spans $9,395. Manhattan 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 ($54,447 effective) pays 24.84% more than Manhattan ($43,613 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Manhattan if…
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Choose Topeka if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($48,360/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($48,696)
- ✓Larger job market (470 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $54,447)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Manhattan grew 35.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 43.1% growth in Topeka over the same period.
Manhattan, KS
$27,690 (2019) → $37,460 (2025)
Topeka, KS
$32,200 (2019) → $46,070 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Manhattan, KS
Topeka, KS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Manhattan or Topeka?
What is the hourly rate difference between Manhattan and Topeka?
Should I relocate from Manhattan to Topeka as a medical assistant?
What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Manhattan vs Topeka?
Written by Emma Chen, CMA
Career Analyst
Emma has over 8 years of experience as a medical assistant. She has worked in both outpatient clinics and hospitals. Her expertise includes patient care and administrative support.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.97% 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 Emma Chen, CMA, a licensed medical assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov