Nurse Practitioner Salary in Hays, KS: $116,483 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time nurse practitioner in Hays, KS earns a median $116,483/year (≈ $56.00/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1171). Once you factor in Hays's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 90.9), that paycheck buys what $128,144 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.4% below the Kansas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the nurse practitioner salary in Hays, Kansas, is projected to reach a median annual figure of $116,483, which is about 14.89% less than the national median of $136,864. The salary in this region spans from $99,416 at the 10th percentile to $146,131 at the 90th percentile. These numbers, derived from 2025 BLS data projected to 2026, showcase a crucial aspect of the local job market: the structure of employment can significantly affect compensation. Nurse practitioners in Hays have the option to work in W-2 clinic settings or as independent contractors under a 1099 structure. This choice influences not only salary but also the hourly delta, making the pay in different employment types a key factor for those seeking positions in this area.
About the Hays Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($117,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $99,416 | $47.79 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $109,610 | $52.70 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $116,483 | $56.00 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $135,622 | $65.20 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $146,131 | $70.25 |
Median Salary Position
14.89% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hays
In Hays, KS, the nurse practitioner salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $46,715 (2026 est.). At $116,483, the local median is 14.89% below the national median of $136,864.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Hays: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Hays Nurse Practitioner Pay Compares
Hays median: $116,483/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Hays Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas Average | $124,447 | -6.40% less |
| National Average | $136,864 | -14.89% less |
Nurse Practitioners in Hays, KS earn a median of $116,483 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.89% lower than the national median of $136,864 and 6.40% below the Kansas state average of $124,447.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Hays has a cost of living 9.10% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Hays, KS has a cost-of-living index of 90.9 (below the national average of 100). A nurse practitioner earning $116,483 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $128,144 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.01% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$93,466
2025 BLS Actual
$112,598
2026 Current Est.
$116,483
2019–2027 Growth
+28.9%
Salary Trajectory for Nurse Practitioners in Hays (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.45% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $93,466 | Actual |
| 2020 | $95,049 | Actual |
| 2021 | $102,708 | Actual |
| 2022 | $103,500 | Actual |
| 2023 | $107,457 | Actual |
| 2024 | $99,576 | Actual |
| 2025 | $112,598 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $116,483 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $120,501 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Hays metropolitan area, the median nurse practitioner salary grew 20.5% from $93,466 (2019) to $112,598 (2025). At a 3.45% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $120,501 by 2027 — a total increase of $27,035 (28.92%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hays metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.45% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $99,416 – $109,610 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $109,610 – $116,483 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $116,483 – $135,622 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $135,622 – $146,131 |
NP salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual nurse practitioner compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Nurse Practitioner Job Market in Hays
In the local job market, only five nurse practitioners are employed in Hays, suggesting a tighter range of opportunities and possibly heightened competition within this small community. The cost of living index sits at 90.9, indicating that everyday expenses are below the national average, potentially enhancing purchasing power for those earning a nurse practitioner pay in Hays, KS. Although outpatient clinics and primary care practices are among the top employers in the area, specialty clinics may offer higher compensation, particularly for those with population-focused certifications such as PMHNP or AGACNP. The income spread reflects various factors, including productivity bonuses, collaboration agreements, and the state’s regulations on practice authority. To maximize earning potential, nurse practitioners should explore options like telehealth platforms, which often offer lucrative side incomes, while also considering the financial implications of full-practice authority versus collaboration agreement requirements.
More salary data for Hays, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience in adult healthcare. She works in a community health clinic. Her specialty is chronic disease management.
Methodology & Data Source
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $112,598 for nurse practitionersin the Hays metropolitan area. A 3.45% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Hays is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.45%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for nurse practitioners (SOC 29-1171).
Compiled and verified by Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C, a licensed nurse practitioner with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov