Pharmacist Salary in Hays, KS: $122,120 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time pharmacist in Hays, KS earns a median $122,120/year (≈ $58.72/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1051). Once you factor in Hays's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 90.9), that paycheck buys what $134,345 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.4% below the Kansas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Hays, Kansas, the projected median annual salary for pharmacists in 2026 is $122,120. This figure reflects an industry where residency-trained professionals can expect to earn a premium, especially in hospital or specialty roles. The complete salary spectrum ranges from $96,257 at the lower end of the 10th percentile to $143,801 at the 90th percentile, emphasizing the potential for disparity based on experience and setting. These estimates, based on 2025 BLS data projected to 2026, take into account regional cost adjustments and offer a glimpse into the competitive landscape for pharmacist positions in Hays. Navigating this job market effectively requires an understanding of the local healthcare environment and an awareness of how specialty certifications can influence earning potential.
About the Hays Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $96,257 | $46.28 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $118,232 | $56.84 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $122,120 | $58.72 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $137,935 | $66.31 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $143,801 | $69.13 |
Median Salary Position
14.89% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hays
In Hays, KS, the pharmacist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $47,544 (2026 est.). At $122,120, the local median is 14.89% below the national median of $143,489.
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At 40 hours/week in Hays: You'd be above the median
How Hays Pharmacist Pay Compares
Hays median: $122,120/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Hays Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas Average | $130,470 | -6.40% less |
| National Average | $143,489 | -14.89% less |
Pharmacists in Hays, KS earn a median of $122,120 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.89% lower than the national median of $143,489 and 6.40% below the Kansas state average of $130,470.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Hays has a cost of living 9.10% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Hays, KS has a cost-of-living index of 90.9 (below the national average of 100). A pharmacist earning $122,120 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $134,345 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.01% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$109,014
2025 BLS Actual
$119,925
2026 Current Est.
$122,120
2019–2027 Growth
+14.1%
Salary Trajectory for Pharmacists in Hays (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 1.83% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $109,014 | Actual |
| 2020 | $109,542 | Actual |
| 2021 | $109,423 | Actual |
| 2022 | $112,980 | Actual |
| 2023 | $115,772 | Actual |
| 2024 | $108,938 | Actual |
| 2025 | $119,925 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $122,120 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $124,354 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Hays metropolitan area, the median pharmacist salary grew 10.0% from $109,014 (2019) to $119,925 (2025). At a 1.83% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $124,354 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,340 (14.07%) from 2019.
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 1.83% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $96,257 – $118,232 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $118,232 – $122,120 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $122,120 – $137,935 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $137,935 – $143,801 |
PharmD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual pharmacist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Pharmacist Job Market in Hays
While five pharmacists are currently employed in Hays, the local job market remains competitive, impacted by a cost-of-living index of 90.9. This figure signifies that take-home pay has a relatively higher purchasing power compared to areas with higher costs, allowing pharmacists to maximize their standard of living. Notably, hospital roles and specialty pharmacies tend to offer more competitive salaries than retail pharmacy chains like CVS or Walgreens, which are consolidating. Compensation variability arises from factors such as board certification stipends and the demand for residency-trained pharmacists in clinical settings. To optimize earnings in Hays, candidates may consider pursuing additional certifications or residencies that align with the evolving needs of healthcare delivery. Moreover, exploring opportunities in outpatient pharmacotherapy and ambulatory service settings could further enhance one’s career trajectory and financial stability.
More salary data for Hays, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Sofia Chen, PharmD
Career Analyst
Sofia Chen has 10 years of experience in community pharmacy. She specializes in medication therapy management.
Methodology & Data Source
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $119,925 for pharmacistsin the Hays metropolitan area. A 1.83% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
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 1.83%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for pharmacists (SOC 29-1051).
Compiled and verified by Sofia Chen, PharmD, a licensed pharmacist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov