What is the average salary in Hays, KS?
The job market in Hays, KS, offers a range of salary opportunities for various professions. The average yearly salary is $53,434. This figure can help job seekers understand the earning potential in the area.
Salary levels vary across different job sectors. The distribution of salaries in Hays is as follows: 32.30% earn around $23,300, 20.55% make about $35,071, 10.82% earn approximately $46,841, 8.91% make roughly $58,612, 6.63% earn around $70,382, 5.61% make about $82,153, 5.35% earn approximately $93,923, 1.09% make roughly $105,694, 0.60% earn around $117,464, 2.32% make about $129,235, and 0.82% earn around $141,005. This range provides a clear picture of the financial rewards available in different job categories.
What are the best paying jobs in Hays, KS?

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Registered Nurse
Average Salary: $84,754
Help with patient care in local healthcare facilities. Work in hospitals, clinics, and care homes. Gain experience with medical treatments and patient support.
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Retail Sales Associate
Average Salary: $65,976
Assist customers in finding and purchasing products. Work in local stores and shopping centers. Develop customer service skills and learn about retail operations.
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Licensed Practical Nurse
Average Salary: $62,966
Provide basic nursing care in healthcare facilities. Work in hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics. Learn about patient care and healthcare procedures.
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Case Manager
Average Salary: $49,952
Help clients with personal and medical care. Work with various organizations and healthcare facilities. Develop skills in case management and support services.
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Delivery Driver
Average Salary: $42,537
Deliver packages and goods to customers. Drive and navigate local areas. Learn about logistics and customer service in a delivery role.
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Certified Nursing Assistant
Average Salary: $39,053
Assist patients with daily activities and care. Work in nursing homes and hospitals. Gain experience in patient care and support services.
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Behavioral Health Technician
Average Salary: $36,013
Support patients with mental health and behavioral issues. Work in healthcare facilities and clinics. Learn about patient care and behavioral support.
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Cook
Average Salary: $34,506
Prepare meals in restaurants and catering services. Work in local eateries and event spaces. Develop skills in cooking and food preparation.
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Merchandiser
Average Salary: $33,554
Organize and display products in stores. Work in retail and grocery stores. Learn about sales strategies and store management.
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Customer Service Representative
Average Salary: $29,245
Help customers with inquiries and issues. Work in various companies and call centers. Develop communication and problem-solving skills.
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What are the best paying jobs in Hays, KS without a degree?

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Server
Average Salary: $32,431
Work at local restaurants, ensuring customers have a great dining experience. Serve food and drinks, take orders, and process payments. This role often includes working in a fast-paced environment, requiring good communication skills.
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Service Team Member
Average Salary: $29,828
Assist customers with ordering and provide information about products. Common in retail settings, this job involves stocking shelves and maintaining the cleanliness of the store. Strong customer service skills are essential.
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Barista
Average Salary: $29,728
Prepare and serve coffee and other beverages. Work in coffee shops and cafes, crafting drinks to customer specifications. This role often requires attention to detail and a friendly demeanor.
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Line Cook
Average Salary: $29,347
Prepare ingredients and cook dishes in a fast-paced kitchen. This job involves working on assembly lines and requires quick thinking and efficient multitasking. Experience in fast food or casual dining environments is beneficial.
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Dishwasher
Average Salary: $26,469
Clean dishes, utensils, and kitchen equipment. This task is critical for maintaining hygiene in food service establishments. It involves working in a busy kitchen and requires attention to cleanliness and detail.
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Housekeeping
Average Salary: $25,300
Clean and maintain guest rooms and public areas in hotels and motels. This job requires attention to detail and the ability to follow cleaning protocols. It is often flexible with part-time hours.
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Server Assistant
Average Salary: $25,153
Support servers in their duties, ensuring smooth restaurant operations. This role may involve setting tables, clearing dishes, and assisting customers. It requires a helpful attitude and the ability to work well in a team.
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Kitchen Team Member
Average Salary: $23,692
Assist in food preparation and cooking. This role is essential in busy kitchen environments. It involves following recipes and kitchen procedures, ensuring food quality and safety.
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Which companies offer the top salaries in Hays, KS?

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Ascension
Average Salary: $57,328
Ascension is a nonprofit health system. It offers careers that make a real difference. Their job roles range from healthcare to administrative positions. They focus on patient-centered care and professional growth.
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High Plains Mental Health Center
Average Salary: $52,808
High Plains Mental Health Center provides comprehensive mental health services. They offer a variety of positions that contribute to the well-being of the community. Employees enjoy a supportive work environment.
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HaysMed
Average Salary: $49,863
HaysMed is a leading healthcare provider in the region. It offers a range of job opportunities in healthcare, administration, and support services. The company values quality care and employee satisfaction.
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KVC Health Systems
Average Salary: $42,396
KVC Health Systems focuses on behavioral healthcare services. They offer positions in mental health, child welfare, and community support. The company is committed to making a positive impact on people’s lives.
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Applebee's
Average Salary: $40,086
Applebee’s is a well-known restaurant chain. It offers various positions in food service and management. Employees enjoy a casual work environment and opportunities for career advancement.
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Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas (DSNWK)
Average Salary: $34,952
DSNWK supports individuals with developmental disabilities. They offer jobs in direct care, therapy, and support services. The company is dedicated to helping individuals achieve their full potential.
How does the cost of living in Hays, KS compare to the national average?

The cost of living index in Hays, KS, presents a unique picture compared to the nationwide average, which is set at 100. Hays offers a more affordable lifestyle, particularly in housing, with an index of 75. This means residents in Hays can expect to pay 25% less for housing compared to the national average. Such a significant reduction can make Hays an attractive option for those seeking to reduce their overall living expenses.
In other areas, the cost of living in Hays remains close to the national average. For example, groceries have an index of 92, just 8% below the average. Utilities also stay relatively close, with an index of 89, only 11% under the average. Transportation costs are slightly higher, with an index of 95, which means they are only 5% below the national average. Additionally, healthcare and miscellaneous costs are close to the national average, with indices of 98 and 87 respectively. This balanced mix of lower and comparable costs can provide a manageable living experience for those considering a move to Hays.



