Manhattan vs Topeka: Real Estate Agent Salary (2026)
Compare real estate agent salaries between Manhattan, KS and Topeka, KS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Manhattan, KS | Topeka, KS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $37,555 | $38,956▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $18.06 | $18.73▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $28,765 | $29,547▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $34,804 | $34,957▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $42,112 | $48,253▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $76,582 | $80,317▲ |
| Total Employed | 110▲ | 90 |
Verdict
Topeka, KS offers better overall compensation for real estate agents, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Manhattan.
The salary gap between Manhattan and Topeka is $1,401 (3.73%). Topeka's median is -27.35% compared to the US national median of $53,622.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Manhattan spans $47,817,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, Topeka ($43,859 effective) pays 5.30% more than Manhattan ($41,653 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Manhattan if…
- ✓Larger job market (110 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Choose Topeka if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($38,956/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($80,317)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $43,859)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, real estate agent salaries in Manhattan grew -3.0% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -31.2% growth in Topeka over the same period.
Manhattan, KS
$38,130 (2021) → $37,000 (2025)
Topeka, KS
$55,800 (2021) → $38,380 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Manhattan, KS
Topeka, KS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays real estate agents more: Manhattan or Topeka?
What is the hourly rate difference between Manhattan and Topeka?
Should I relocate from Manhattan to Topeka as a real estate agent?
What do entry-level real estate agents earn in Manhattan vs Topeka?
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