Junction City vs Topeka: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Junction City, KS and Topeka, KS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Junction City, KS | Topeka, KS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $88,248 | $92,578▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $42.43 | $44.52▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $68,734 | $83,826▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $80,192 | $86,450▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $96,827▲ | $93,848 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $109,129▲ | $97,647 |
| Total Employed | 6 | 240▲ |
Verdict
Topeka, KS offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Junction City.
The salary gap between Junction City and Topeka is $4,330 (4.91%). Topeka's median is -10.07% compared to the US national median of $102,946.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Junction City spans $40,395,Topeka spans $13,821. Junction City 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 ($104,231 effective) pays 7.36% more than Junction City ($97,083 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Junction City if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($109,129)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Choose Topeka if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($92,578/year)
- ✓Larger job market (240 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $104,231)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in Junction City grew 28.5% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 36.2% growth in Topeka over the same period.
Junction City, KS
$65,442 (2020) → $84,094 (2025)
Topeka, KS
$64,750 (2020) → $88,220 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Junction City, KS
Topeka, KS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists more: Junction City or Topeka?
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Should I relocate from Junction City to Topeka as a dental hygienist?
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Written by Sarah Chen, RDH, BSDH
Dental Career Analyst
Sarah Chen is a registered dental hygienist with over 12 years of clinical experience. She specializes in salary benchmarking and career strategy, helping dental professionals make data-driven career decisions using official BLS statistics.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.94% 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 Sarah Chen, RDH, BSDH, a licensed dental hygienist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov