Gardner vs Topeka: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist 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 | $86,778 | $92,578▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $41.72 | $44.52▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $72,504 | $83,826▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $77,060 | $86,450▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $95,237▲ | $93,848 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $107,768▲ | $97,647 |
| Total Employed | 6 | 240▲ |
Verdict
Topeka, KS offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Gardner.
The salary gap between Gardner and Topeka is $5,800 (6.68%). 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 Gardner spans $35,264,Topeka spans $13,821. Gardner 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 9.18% more than Gardner ($95,465 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Gardner if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($107,768)
- ✓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 Gardner grew 28.5% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 36.2% growth in Topeka over the same period.
Gardner, KS
$64,351 (2020) → $82,693 (2025)
Topeka, KS
$64,750 (2020) → $88,220 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Gardner, KS
Topeka, KS
Frequently Asked Questions
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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