Entry-Level Registered Nurse Salary in Hays, KS: $69,109 (2026)
Quick Answer:New registered nurses entering the Hays, KS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $69,109 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1141, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Hays's local price level (BEA RPP 90.9 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $76,028 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($87,432) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Hays, Kansas, new graduates entering the nursing field can expect an entry-level registered nurse salary starting around $69,109 in 2026. While this figure represents a respectable entry point, it falls below the city’s median salary of $87,432, indicating a gap that new RNs will strive to bridge as they gain experience. Over the first few years, salaries are projected to rise with early-career nurses potentially moving up to around $76,109 at the 25th percentile and eventually reaching the median as they acquire skills in various nursing specialties. Given the growth rate of 5.31% annually in this sector, Hays remains an appealing market for new graduates looking to build their careers in nursing.
About the Hays Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($73,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Hays
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hays
Entry-level registered nurses in Hays, KS typically start between $69,109 and $76,109 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $48,044 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $87,432 — 14.89% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Kansas of $42,000 represents just 60.77% of the starting registered nurse pay ($69,109/year) in Hays. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on ACEN- and CCNE-accredited nursing programs and state board of nursing data. Tuition varies significantly between community college ADN, public university BSN, and private university BSN pathways.
RN Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Hays
- 1Research the Hays market: entry-level registered nurse pay ranges from $69,109 to $76,109, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the nursing field — employers in KS often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Hays, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Hays for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Hays's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Registered Nurse Compensation Range
The registered nurse wage spread in Hays is $48,044 ( 69.52%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $69,109, experienced hygienists can earn up to $117,153.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$49,575
2025 BLS Actual
$65,624
2026 Current Est.
$69,109
2019–2027 Growth
+46.8%
Salary Trajectory for Registered Nurses in Hays (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.31% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $49,575 | Actual |
| 2020 | $50,841 | Actual |
| 2021 | $56,590 | Actual |
| 2022 | $58,304 | Actual |
| 2023 | $60,655 | Actual |
| 2024 | $49,025 | Actual |
| 2025 | $65,624 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $69,109 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $72,778 | Projected |
Entry-level registered nurse compensation (10th percentile) in Hays, KS grew 32.4% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $49,575 in 2019 to $65,624 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $72,778. New graduates entering the Hays job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
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 5.31% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your nursing Career in Hays
Employers in Hays that hire new grad registered nurses include larger hospital systems offering comprehensive nurse residency programs that promote skill development through rotations in areas like the ICU and emergency department. Community hospitals often provide quicker cross-training opportunities. New RNs can enhance their marketability and earning potential by earning credentials such as an active RN license, and either an ASN or BSN degree. Optional certifications from recognized bodies like the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) can further elevate starting pay in the region. In this profession, the first few years are pivotal; new nurses are encouraged to pursue specialty certifications and take advantage of shift differentials, especially on nights or weekends, to boost income. Over the first three years, many nurses can realistically expect incremental salary increases as they build their experience and credentials in Hays, positioning themselves for a more competitive salary trajectory in this growing healthcare market.
More salary data for Hays, 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
Entry-level 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 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new nursing graduates. A 5.31% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Hays. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
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 5.31%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for registered nurses (SOC 29-1141).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, RN, BSN, a licensed registered nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov