Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay in Hays, KS: $27.85 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a licensed practical nurse working in Hays, KS runs $27.85 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $57,934 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Weighted against Hays's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.9, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $30.64 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $34,759 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Hays, Kansas, licensed practical nurses earn a median hourly rate of $27.85, which is significantly lower than the national hourly median of $32.73. This disparity highlights the unique economic landscape of the region, where LPNs find themselves working in diverse settings like skilled nursing facilities, home health care, and physician offices. For part-time employees working three days a week, typically around 24 hours, this hourly rate translates into a manageable yet modest income, impacting the lifestyle and budgeting choices for many nurses. Additionally, the hourly pay range for licensed practical nurses in the area lies between $23.96 at the entry level and $34.35 for those in the top percentile, offering a potential pathway for advancement and skills development within the profession.
About the Hays Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $23.96 | $191.70 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.91 | $215.29 |
| Median (P50) | $27.85 | $222.82 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.32 | $258.58 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $34.35 | $274.82 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Hays
Based on $27.85/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.85/hr, a licensed practical nurse working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Hays, KS can expect to earn approximately $57,932 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,422. With a cost-of-living index of 90.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Hays.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Hays
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,114.08 | $4,828 | $57,932 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $668.45 | $2,897 | $34,759 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $445.63 | $1,931 | $23,173 |
Compare LPN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Licensed Practical Nurse (Hays) | $27.85 |
| Registered Nurse (National Avg) | $42.80 |
| Nursing Assistant (CNA) (National Avg) | $18.60 |
| Medical Assistant (National Avg) | $19.70 |
| Home Health / Personal Care Aide (National Avg) | $16.80 |
Licensed Practical Nurses in Hays, KS earn a median of $57,934 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.89% lower than the national median of $68,071 and 6.40% below the Kansas state average of $61,895.
Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.85/hr = $34,759/year (purchasing power: $38,239).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $57,932/year (purchasing power: $63,732).
CoL index: 90.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$19.43/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.35/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.85/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Hays (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.43/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.98/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.67/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.35/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.44/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $21.28/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.35/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.85/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.44/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for licensed practical nurses in Hays grew 35.6% from $19.43/hr (2019) to $26.35/hr (2025). At a 5.70% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.44/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem licensed practical nurses can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
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 5.70% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Licensed Practical Nurse in Hays
When examining part-time earnings, a licensed practical nurse who works 24 hours a week could expect an annual take-home closer to $34,689, considerably less than their full-time counterparts. Per diem licensed practical nurses can earn between $28 to $42 per hour, with agency positions often offering even higher rates, sometimes reaching $45 to $60 per hour, particularly in high-demand settings such as understaffed facilities. Hourly rates also vary by employer type; for instance, skilled nursing facilities and home health agencies might offer different compensation structures compared to hospitals and correctional facilities. While some LPNs may opt for lower hourly wages in exchange for benefits such as health insurance, others aim for higher pay without benefits, leading to varied career decisions. For those looking to negotiate in Hays, understanding the current local job market and being aware of prevailing rates for specific employment settings can bolster their negotiating position effectively.
More salary data for Hays, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Aisha Malik, LPN
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience as a licensed practical nurse. She specializes in pediatric nursing. Aisha has worked in various outpatient clinics.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 5.70% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for licensed practical nurses in Hays. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
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 5.70%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for licensed practical nurses (SOC 29-2061).
Compiled and verified by Aisha Malik, LPN, a licensed licensed practical nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov