Hays vs Lawrence: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Hays, KS and Lawrence, KS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Hays, KS | Lawrence, KS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $116,483 | $131,019▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $56.00 | $62.99▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $99,416 | $102,178▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $109,610 | $126,581▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $135,622▲ | $131,164 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $146,131 | $157,161▲ |
| Total Employed | 5 | 100▲ |
Verdict
Lawrence, KS offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Hays.
The salary gap between Hays and Lawrence is $14,536 (12.48%). Lawrence's median is -4.27% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hays spans $46,715,Lawrence spans $54,983. Lawrence has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced nurse practitioners.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Lawrence ($145,185 effective) pays 13.30% more than Hays ($128,144 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 Lawrence if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($131,019/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($157,161)
- ✓Larger job market (100 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $145,185)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Hays grew 13.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 26.9% growth in Lawrence over the same period.
Hays, KS
$99,576 (2024) → $112,598 (2025)
Lawrence, KS
$99,830 (2019) → $126,650 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lawrence, KS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Hays or Lawrence?
What is the hourly rate difference between Hays and Lawrence?
Should I relocate from Hays to Lawrence as a nurse practitioner?
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Written by Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience in adult healthcare. She works in a community health clinic. Her specialty is chronic disease management.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.45% 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 Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C, a licensed nurse practitioner with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov