What is the average salary in Hays, KS?
Hays, KS, offers a variety of job opportunities with competitive salaries. The average yearly salary in Hays is around $52,361. This figure reflects the diverse economic landscape of the area, providing a range of income levels for different professions.
The salary distribution in Hays shows a broad spectrum of earnings. The top-paying jobs include roles in management, finance, and healthcare, with salaries reaching up to $158,348 annually. Other notable sectors include education, engineering, and information technology, with average salaries ranging from $60,458 to $121,639. This variety ensures that job seekers can find positions that match their skills and career goals.
What are the best paying jobs in Hays, KS?

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Registered Nurse
Average Salary: $84,681
Registered Nurses provide care and support to patients in various settings. They work in hospitals, clinics, and private practices. Hays offers many opportunities for nurses to grow and develop their skills.
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Licensed Practical Nurse
Average Salary: $61,333
Licensed Practical Nurses assist doctors and registered nurses in patient care. They work in hospitals, nursing homes, and outpatient care centers. Hays has a demand for LPNs to help with patient care and support.
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Phlebotomist
Average Salary: $53,830
Phlebotomists draw blood for tests and donations. They work in hospitals, clinics, and blood donation centers. Hays offers many opportunities for phlebotomists to work with patients and healthcare providers.
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General Manager
Average Salary: $53,121
General Managers oversee the daily operations of a business. They work in retail, hospitality, and food service industries. Hays has many businesses that need skilled managers to lead their teams.
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Case Manager
Average Salary: $46,894
Case Managers coordinate care for patients with complex needs. They work in hospitals, clinics, and social service agencies. Hays offers many opportunities for case managers to help patients and their families.
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Delivery Driver
Average Salary: $43,145
Delivery Drivers transport goods and packages to customers. They work for delivery companies and local businesses. Hays has many opportunities for delivery drivers to work with different companies.
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Certified Nursing Assistant
Average Salary: $39,226
Certified Nursing Assistants provide basic care to patients in hospitals and nursing homes. They work under the supervision of registered nurses and licensed practical nurses. Hays offers many opportunities for CNAs to work with patients and healthcare providers.
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Cook
Average Salary: $33,789
Cooks prepare meals in restaurants, schools, and hospitals. They work in a fast-paced environment and must follow recipes and food safety guidelines. Hays has many opportunities for cooks to work in different settings.
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Merchandiser
Average Salary: $33,215
Merchandisers arrange and display products in stores. They work for retail companies and must have strong attention to detail. Hays offers many opportunities for merchandisers to work with different products and brands.
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Server
Average Salary: $32,270
Servers take orders and serve food and drinks to customers in restaurants. They work in a fast-paced environment and must have strong customer service skills. Hays has many opportunities for servers to work in different restaurants and cafes.
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What are the best paying jobs in Hays, KS without a degree?

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To Go Specialist
Average Salary: $34,000
This role involves preparing and packaging orders for customers. It requires attention to detail and the ability to work quickly. Companies like local cafes and restaurants offer this position.
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Server
Average Salary: $32,270
Servers take orders and serve food and drinks to customers. They need good communication skills and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment. Local eateries and restaurants are always looking for servers.
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Line Cook
Average Salary: $29,124
Line cooks prepare ingredients and cook food quickly. They work in a team and need to follow recipes. Many restaurants and cafes in the area offer this job.
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Barista
Average Salary: $27,900
Baristas make coffee and other drinks. They need to be friendly and quick. Coffee shops and cafes in the city offer this role.
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Server Assistant
Average Salary: $25,394
Server assistants help servers by setting tables and clearing dishes. They need to be organized and helpful. Many restaurants look for people to fill this position.
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Housekeeping
Average Salary: $25,179
Housekeepers clean rooms and common areas. They need to be thorough and detail-oriented. Hotels and motels in the area offer this job.
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Dishwasher
Average Salary: $25,173
Dishwasher clean dishes and utensils. They need to work quickly and pay attention to detail. Restaurants and cafes need people for this role.
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Kitchen Team Member
Average Salary: $24,556
Kitchen team members help with food preparation and cooking. They work in a team and need to be flexible. Many local restaurants offer this job.
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Which companies offer the top salaries in Hays, KS?

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Ascension
Average Salary: $54,470
Ascension is a leading healthcare provider. They offer a range of medical services and are known for their commitment to patient care.
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High Plains Mental Health Center
Average Salary: $50,962
High Plains Mental Health Center provides mental health services. They focus on helping individuals with mental health challenges lead fulfilling lives.
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HaysMed
Average Salary: $49,766
HaysMed is a full-service hospital. They offer a variety of medical services and are dedicated to the health and well-being of the community.
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KVC Health Systems
Average Salary: $41,752
KVC Health Systems provides behavioral healthcare services. They focus on helping children and families achieve their best possible outcomes.
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Applebee's
Average Salary: $38,430
Applebee's is a popular restaurant chain. They offer a casual dining experience with a variety of American dishes.
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Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas
Average Salary: $35,439
Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas provides support for individuals with developmental disabilities. They focus on helping individuals achieve their full potential.
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Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas (DSNWK)
Average Salary: $35,074
DSNWK is another name for Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas. They offer similar services focused on supporting individuals with developmental disabilities.
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DSNWK
Average Salary: $34,883
DSNWK provides support for individuals with developmental disabilities. They focus on helping individuals achieve their full potential.
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Domino's
Average Salary: $33,306
Domino's is a well-known pizza chain. They offer a variety of pizza options and are known for their quick delivery service.
How does the cost of living in Hays, KS compare to the national average?

Hays, KS, has a cost of living index that is notably lower than the nationwide average, which is set at 100. Specifically, the housing index in Hays stands at 75, indicating that housing costs are 25% less than the national average. This makes Hays an attractive option for those looking to save on housing expenses without sacrificing quality of life.
In addition to housing, the transportation index in Hays is 85, which is 15% below the national average. This suggests that commuting and vehicle-related costs are also more affordable in Hays. The groceries index is 90, meaning that grocery expenses are only 10% below the national average, making it relatively easy to find reasonably priced food items. Utilities and healthcare both hover around the national average, with indices of 95, indicating minimal difference in these costs compared to the rest of the country. Overall, Hays offers a cost of living that is significantly lower than the national average, making it a practical choice for many job seekers.