Entry-Level Data Analyst Salary in Hays, KS: $27,744 (2026)
Quick Answer:New data analysts entering the Hays, KS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $27,744 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-2051, 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 $30,521 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($43,790) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Graduates pursuing a career as data analysts in Hays, Kansas, can expect to encounter a starting data analyst salary of approximately $27,744 in 2026. This figure marks a significant gap when compared to the median annual salary for the region, which stands at $43,790. Over the first few years, entry-level analysts can anticipate gradual salary growth, moving from the lower P10 thresholds to about $33,104 at the P25 rank and reaching toward the median as they accumulate experience and skills. Given a projected growth rate of 4.48% annually, Hays presents a reasonable market for new graduates to start their careers, even as salaries remain notably lower than the national median of $80,394.
About the Hays Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($92,000) 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 data analysts in Hays, KS typically start between $27,744 and $33,104 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $40,130 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $43,790 — 45.53% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average data analysis program cost in Kansas of $45,000 represents just 162.20% of the starting data analyst pay ($27,744/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 reflect two main pathways: bachelor's degree in computer science, statistics, or mathematics ($40k-$120k), or master's degree in data science ($30k-$80k). Intensive bootcamps ($10k-$20k) offer faster entry but typically require prior technical background.
DA Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Hays
- 1Research the Hays market: entry-level data analyst pay ranges from $27,744 to $33,104, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the data analysis 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.
Data Analyst Compensation Range
The data analyst wage spread in Hays is $40,130 ( 144.64%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $27,744, experienced hygienists can earn up to $67,874.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$23,470
2025 BLS Actual
$26,554
2026 Current Est.
$27,744
2021–2027 Growth
+23.5%
Salary Trajectory for Data Analysts in Hays (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.48% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $23,470 | Actual |
| 2022 | $23,106 | Actual |
| 2023 | $24,117 | Actual |
| 2024 | $50,112 | Actual |
| 2025 | $26,554 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27,744 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28,987 | Projected |
Entry-level data analyst compensation (10th percentile) in Hays, KS grew 13.1% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $23,470 in 2021 to $26,554 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $28,987. New graduates entering the Hays job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) 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 4.48% CAGR derived from 5-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your data analysis Career in Hays
Several employers in Hays are actively seeking new grads for data analyst roles. While large firms like those from the FAANG group typically hire through comprehensive pipelines geared toward master’s or PhD candidates, local businesses also present opportunities for early-career professionals. Enhancing credentials with advanced degrees in computer science or statistics, alongside strong skills in Python and SQL, can be advantageous in this market. Internships with top-tier companies further boost new grad data analyst pay in KS, often proving more relevant than formal qualifications alone. In the first three years, aspiring analysts can realistically see salary increments reflective of their growing expertise and adjustments to the local job market, positioning them for future opportunities in more lucrative sectors, particularly those involving machine learning and AI. Understanding compensation transparency resources like Levels.fyi is also crucial for navigating career paths that could lead to significantly higher earnings in the long run.
More salary data for Hays, 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
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 data analysis graduates. A 4.48% 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 4.48%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for data analysts (SOC 15-2051).
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