Gardner vs Topeka: Real Estate Agent Salary (2026)
Compare real estate agent salaries between Gardner, KS and Topeka, KS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Gardner, KS | Topeka, KS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $45,200▲ | $38,956 |
| Hourly Rate | $21.73▲ | $18.73 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $31,070▲ | $29,547 |
| 25th Percentile | $35,756▲ | $34,957 |
| 75th Percentile | $57,856▲ | $48,253 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $70,060 | $80,317▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 90▲ |
Verdict
Gardner and Topeka are closely matched on overall real estate agent compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Gardner and Topeka is $6,244 (16.03%). Gardner's median is -15.71% compared to the US national median of $53,622.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Gardner spans $38,990,Topeka spans $50,770. Topeka has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced real estate agents.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Gardner ($49,725 effective) pays 13.37% more than Topeka ($43,859 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Gardner if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($45,200/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $49,725)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Choose Topeka if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($80,317)
- ✓Larger job market (90 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, real estate agent salaries in Gardner grew -8.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -31.2% growth in Topeka over the same period.
Gardner, KS
$48,891 (2024) → $44,532 (2025)
Topeka, KS
$55,800 (2021) → $38,380 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Gardner, KS
Topeka, KS
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Maria Gonzalez, REALTOR®
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience as a real estate agent. She specializes in residential properties. She works with a large brokerage in Texas.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 1.50% 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 Maria Gonzalez, REALTOR®, a licensed real estate agent with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov