Senior Data Analyst Salary in Hays, KS: $67,874 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of data analysts working in Hays, KS — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $67,874/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 15-2051. Strip back Hays's price premium (BEA RPP 90.9, 9% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $74,669 in average-cost America. The 55% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Hays, Kansas, the salary potential for senior data analysts reflects substantial growth, with top earners reaching a notable $67,874 in 2026. This represents a significant advancement over the median pay of $43,790, indicating an experience premium that separates seasoned professionals from their less experienced counterparts. Achieving this top-tier salary requires a combination of specialized skills, proven analytical capabilities, and the ability to apply advanced methodologies, such as machine learning and statistical analysis, to drive business insights. Though this figure may still trail the national median salary of $80,394, the earning potential within Hays showcases the opportunities available for experienced analysts who excel in the field.
About the Hays Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hays
Experienced data analysts at the top of the pay scale in Hays earn between $56,050 and $67,874 per year (2026 est.). This $40,130 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Hays median of $43,790 sits 45.53% below the US median.
Top DA Salary Comparison
| Level | Hays | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $43,790 | $80,394 |
| 75th Percentile | $56,050 | $106,238 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $67,874 | $133,152 |
In Hays, experienced data analysts (P90) earn 55.00% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Data Analyst Pay in Hays
Advanced Certifications in Kansas
KS data analysts with additional specialty certifications within the data analysis field earn significantly above the $43,790 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Hays employers.
Specialty Focus
Data Analysts focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the data analysis field in Hays command premium compensation, often reaching the $56,050–$67,874 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 data analysts who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured data analysts 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
Data Analysts in Kansas who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Data Analyst Career & Wage Growth Path in Hays
Clinical Data Analyst
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Data Analyst
5-10 yearsData Analyst Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedHays ranks #19 of 22 Kansas cities for top earner data analyst salary (90th percentile: $67,874).
Top 10% data analyst compensation in Hays ($67,874) is 18.82% below the Kansas average P90 ($83,608).
2021 BLS Actual
$54,495
2025 BLS Actual
$64,964
2026 Current Est.
$67,874
2021–2027 Growth
+30.1%
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 | $54,495 | Actual |
| 2022 | $57,023 | Actual |
| 2023 | $60,057 | Actual |
| 2024 | $121,363 | Actual |
| 2025 | $64,964 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $67,874 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $70,915 | Projected |
Top-earning data analysts (90th percentile) in Hays saw their compensation grow 19.2% from $54,495 in 2021 to $64,964 in 2025, based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 4.48% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $70,915 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
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.
Maximizing Your Data Analyst Earnings in Hays
When evaluating the senior data analyst pay in KS, various specializations come into play that can command premium compensation. Those who delve into machine learning engineering, production-level model deployment, or advanced statistical research are positioned to earn higher salaries. Employers in Hays, ranging from tech giants to startups and consulting firms, create a diverse compensation environment. For instance, positions at FAANG companies or AI-focused startups often offer not just salary but also equity, with total compensation accelerating well beyond the base amount with RSUs and bonuses. Furthermore, career advancement paths for seasoned analysts include moves into leadership roles or specialized disciplines, allowing for lucrative transitions. Advanced credentials, particularly a Master's or PhD in quantitative fields, can significantly elevate one's earning potential, particularly when combined with robust programming skills and real-world project experience. Non-salary compensation factors, such as the prestige of the employer and the level within the band structure, also play a large role in senior-level compensation packages.
More salary data for Hays, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced data analysts make in Hays in 2026?
What drives higher data analyst pay in Hays?
What certifications boost data analyst salary in Hays?
Can experienced data analysts make six figures in Hays?
How much does data analyst salary increase over time in Hays?
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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
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 $64,964 for data analysts in the Hays metro area. A 4.48% 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 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