Manhattan vs Salina: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse salaries between Manhattan, KS and Salina, KS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Manhattan, KS | Salina, KS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $83,153 | $90,359▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $39.98 | $43.44▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,513 | $69,535▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $72,527 | $77,598▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $88,113 | $100,663▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $103,983 | $119,863▲ |
| Total Employed | 810▲ | 11 |
Verdict
Salina, KS offers better overall compensation for registered nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Manhattan.
The salary gap between Manhattan and Salina is $7,206 (8.67%). Salina's median is -12.04% compared to the US national median of $102,730.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Manhattan spans $39,470,Salina spans $50,328. Salina has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced registered nurses.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Salina ($99,405 effective) pays 7.78% more than Manhattan ($92,226 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 (810 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Choose Salina if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($90,359/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($119,863)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $99,405)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, registered nurse salaries in Manhattan grew 36.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 33.6% growth in Salina over the same period.
Manhattan, KS
$57,670 (2019) → $78,960 (2025)
Salina, KS
$64,209 (2024) → $85,803 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Manhattan, KS
Salina, KS
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Jordan Lee, RN, BSN
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience as a registered nurse. Their specialty is pediatric nursing in a community hospital. They analyze nursing workforce trends and salary data.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.31% 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 Jordan Lee, RN, BSN, a licensed registered nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov