Hays vs Wichita: Data Analyst Salary (2026)
Compare data analyst salaries between Hays, KS and Wichita, KS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Hays, KS | Wichita, KS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $43,790 | $63,310▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $21.05 | $30.44▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $27,744 | $45,363▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $33,104 | $52,384▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $56,050 | $85,724▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $67,874 | $102,668▲ |
| Total Employed | 5 | 70▲ |
Verdict
Wichita, KS offers better overall compensation for data analysts, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Hays.
The salary gap between Hays and Wichita is $19,520 (44.58%). Wichita's median is -21.25% compared to the US national median of $80,394.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hays spans $40,130,Wichita spans $57,305. Wichita has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced data analysts.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Wichita ($71,178 effective) pays 47.75% more than Hays ($48,174 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Hays if…
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Choose Wichita if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($63,310/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($102,668)
- ✓Larger job market (70 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $71,178)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, data analyst salaries in Hays grew -46.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -34.9% growth in Wichita over the same period.
Hays, KS
$78,299 (2024) → $41,912 (2025)
Wichita, KS
$93,030 (2023) → $60,595 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Wichita, KS
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Aisha Patel, MA, Certified Data Analyst
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience in data analysis. She specializes in business intelligence and works at a tech consulting firm.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.48% 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 Aisha Patel, MA, Certified Data Analyst, a licensed data analyst with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov