Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Hays, KS: $57,934 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time licensed practical nurse in Hays, KS earns a median $57,934/year (≈ $27.85/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Once you factor in Hays's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 90.9), that paycheck buys what $63,734 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.4% below the Kansas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, a licensed practical nurse salary in Hays, Kansas, reaches a median annual figure of $57,934. This compensation is on the lower end of the national spectrum, where the average sits at $68,071, reflecting a notable 14.89% disparity. Local wages range from $49,839 at the 10th percentile to $71,444 at the 90th, indicating that there is room for growth within the market. The data presented is based on 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026, taking into account local cost adjustments. Hays provides various opportunities, particularly in long-term care settings, where shift differentials and weekend premiums can significantly enhance overall earnings, drawing attention to a healthy demand for LPNs in the area.
About the Hays Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,839 | $23.96 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $55,969 | $26.91 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $57,934 | $27.85 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $67,238 | $32.32 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $71,444 | $34.35 |
Median Salary Position
14.89% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hays
In Hays, KS, the licensed practical nurse salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $21,605 (2026 est.). At $57,934, the local median is 14.89% below the national median of $68,071.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Hays: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Hays Licensed Practical Nurse Pay Compares
Hays median: $57,934/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Hays Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas Average | $61,895 | -6.40% less |
| National Average | $68,071 | -14.89% less |
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.
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 licensed practical nurse earning $57,934 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $63,734 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.01% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$40,410
2025 BLS Actual
$54,810
2026 Current Est.
$57,934
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Salary 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 | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40,410 | Actual |
| 2020 | $41,550 | Actual |
| 2021 | $40,912 | Actual |
| 2022 | $46,486 | Actual |
| 2023 | $50,835 | Actual |
| 2024 | $44,256 | Actual |
| 2025 | $54,810 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $57,934 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61,236 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Hays metropolitan area, the median licensed practical nurse salary grew 35.6% from $40,410 (2019) to $54,810 (2025). At a 5.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $61,236 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,826 (51.54%) 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 5.70% 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) | $49,839 – $55,969 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $55,969 – $57,934 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $57,934 – $67,238 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $67,238 – $71,444 |
LPN salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual licensed practical nurse compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Licensed Practical Nurse Job Market in Hays
At present, Hays has only five licensed practical nurses actively working, underscoring a competitive local job market. The cost of living index in the region stands at 90.9, slightly below the national average, which plays a crucial role in shaping the purchasing power of healthcare professionals in the area. Given this financial backdrop, skilled nursing facilities typically offer the highest compensation for LPNs compared to other settings like home health agencies or physician offices. Gaps in pay can often result from variations in job settings, the availability of shift differentials, and extra stipends for certifications like IV therapy. For those seeking to maximize their licensed practical nurse pay in Hays, strategies should include pursuing certifications that lead to higher pay scales, actively seeking work in long-term care facilities, and considering shifts during weekends or holidays to capitalize on premium rates.
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
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 $54,810 for licensed practical nursesin the Hays metropolitan area. A 5.70% 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 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