Hays vs Topeka: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer 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 | $88,080 | $96,205▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $42.35 | $46.26▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,810 | $68,311▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $73,872 | $77,691▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $111,226 | $117,275▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $135,358 | $138,068▲ |
| Total Employed | 5 | 300▲ |
Verdict
Topeka, KS offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Hays.
The salary gap between Hays and Topeka is $8,125 (9.22%). 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 Hays spans $68,548,Topeka spans $69,757. Topeka has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced civil engineers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Topeka ($108,315 effective) pays 11.78% more than Hays ($96,898 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 ($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 Hays grew 14.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 29.4% growth in Topeka over the same period.
Hays, KS
$74,895 (2024) → $85,823 (2025)
Topeka, KS
$72,470 (2019) → $93,740 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
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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