Dodge City vs Topeka: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Dodge City, KS and Topeka, KS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Dodge City, KS | Topeka, KS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $89,001 | $96,205▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $42.79 | $46.26▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $62,473 | $68,311▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $71,233 | $77,691▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $111,921 | $117,275▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $137,781 | $138,068▲ |
| Total Employed | 5 | 300▲ |
Verdict
Topeka, KS offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Dodge City.
The salary gap between Dodge City and Topeka is $7,204 (8.09%). Topeka's median is -7.04% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Dodge City spans $75,308,Topeka spans $69,757. Dodge 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 ($108,315 effective) pays 10.63% more than Dodge City ($97,911 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Dodge City if…
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Choose Topeka if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($96,205/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($138,068)
- ✓Larger job market (300 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $108,315)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Dodge City grew 14.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 29.4% growth in Topeka over the same period.
Dodge City, KS
$75,677 (2024) → $86,720 (2025)
Topeka, KS
$72,470 (2019) → $93,740 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Dodge City, KS
Topeka, KS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Dodge City or Topeka?
What is the hourly rate difference between Dodge City and Topeka?
Should I relocate from Dodge City to Topeka as a civil engineer?
What do entry-level civil engineers earn in Dodge City vs Topeka?
Written by Jordan Chen, P.E.
Career Analyst
Jordan Chen has 10 years of experience in structural engineering. He works primarily in urban infrastructure projects.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.63% 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 Chen, P.E., a licensed civil engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov