Senior Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Hays, KS: $71,444 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of licensed practical nurses working in Hays, KS — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $71,444/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2061. Strip back Hays's price premium (BEA RPP 90.9, 9% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $78,596 in average-cost America. The 23% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, seasoned licensed practical nurses in Hays, Kansas, can anticipate an impressive potential earning of up to $71,444, with the top 25% of earners making around $67,238. This figure dramatically illustrates the experience premium that distinguishes experienced professionals from their peers, as the median annual salary sits at $57,934. Achieving such top-tier pay requires not only years of hands-on experience—typically over seven years—but also a strategic approach to skill enhancement and specialization. Candidates who pursue additional qualifications or certifications can better position themselves within the competitive landscape of senior licensed practical nurse pay in KS, tapping into higher compensation opportunities.
About the Hays Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hays
Experienced licensed practical nurses at the top of the pay scale in Hays earn between $67,238 and $71,444 per year (2026 est.). This $21,605 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Hays median of $57,934 sits 14.89% below the US median.
Top LPN Salary Comparison
| Level | Hays | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $57,934 | $68,071 |
| 75th Percentile | $67,238 | $80,364 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $71,444 | $88,196 |
In Hays, experienced licensed practical nurses (P90) earn 23.32% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Licensed Practical Nurse Pay in Hays
Advanced Certifications in Kansas
KS licensed practical nurses with additional specialty certifications within the nursing field earn significantly above the $57,934 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Hays employers.
Specialty Focus
Licensed Practical Nurses focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nursing field in Hays command premium compensation, often reaching the $67,238–$71,444 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Hays metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced licensed practical nurses who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured licensed practical nurses in Hays with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Licensed Practical Nurses in Kansas who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Licensed Practical Nurse Career & Wage Growth Path in Hays
Clinical Licensed Practical Nurse
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Licensed Practical Nurse
5-10 yearsLicensed Practical Nurse Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedHays ranks #21 of 22 Kansas cities for top earner licensed practical nurse salary (90th percentile: $71,444).
Top 10% licensed practical nurse compensation in Hays ($71,444) is 12.19% below the Kansas average P90 ($81,360).
2019 BLS Actual
$51,325
2025 BLS Actual
$67,591
2026 Current Est.
$71,444
2019–2027 Growth
+47.1%
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 | $51,325 | Actual |
| 2020 | $53,075 | Actual |
| 2021 | $51,673 | Actual |
| 2022 | $58,851 | Actual |
| 2023 | $63,079 | Actual |
| 2024 | $54,401 | Actual |
| 2025 | $67,591 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $71,444 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $75,516 | Projected |
Top-earning licensed practical nurses (90th percentile) in Hays saw their compensation grow 31.7% from $51,325 in 2019 to $67,591 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 5.70% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $75,516 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
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.
Maximizing Your Licensed Practical Nurse Earnings in Hays
Specializations can significantly elevate earning potential for licensed practical nurses, particularly in areas such as long-term care, IV therapy, and hospice and palliative care, which are in high demand in Hays. Employers such as skilled nursing facilities and home health agencies often offer differing compensation structures; for example, skilled nursing settings may reward advanced skills more generously compared to physician offices. Moreover, furthering one's career through pathways like LPN-to-RN bridge programs or pursuing leadership roles, such as charge nurse or MDS coordinator, presents additional avenues for enhanced compensation. Those equipped with advanced credentials, including an active LPN license, practical nursing diploma, and specialized certifications, can earn non-salary perks such as a shift differential or perks for weekend shifts, thus further increasing their overall compensation. Understanding the local market and aligning one's skills with the needs of employers in Hays is key to maximizing the top licensed practical nurse salary in the region.
More salary data for Hays, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced licensed practical nurses make in Hays in 2026?
What drives higher licensed practical nurse pay in Hays?
What certifications boost licensed practical nurse salary in Hays?
Can experienced licensed practical nurses make six figures in Hays?
How much does licensed practical nurse salary increase over time in Hays?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $67,591 for licensed practical nurses in the Hays metro area. A 5.70% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
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