Senior Nurse Anesthetist Salary in Hays, KS: $288,961 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of nurse anesthetists working in Hays, KS — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $288,961/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1151. Strip back Hays's price premium (BEA RPP 90.9, 9% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $317,889 in average-cost America. The 36% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Hays, Kansas, experienced nurse anesthetists can anticipate a median annual salary of $211,827 in 2026, with potential earnings reaching as high as $288,961 for top graduates in their field. This range reflects a significant experience premium, particularly when compared to the market's median. Senior practitioners benefit from advanced skills and specializations that allow them to bridge the gap from the median to the 90th percentile. Achieving this level of compensation frequently requires not only years of practice but also a focus on areas such as pediatric or cardiac anesthesia. In Hays, this advanced level of expertise not only fuels individual earnings but also positions seasoned professionals to capitalize on lucrative opportunities that arise within the healthcare system across Kansas.
About the Hays Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($205,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hays
Experienced nurse anesthetists at the top of the pay scale in Hays earn between $258,894 and $288,961 per year (2026 est.). This $132,912 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Hays median of $211,827 sits 14.89% below the US median.
Top CRNA Salary Comparison
| Level | Hays | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $211,827 | $248,893 |
| 75th Percentile | $258,894 | $309,656 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $288,961 | $357,154 |
In Hays, experienced nurse anesthetists (P90) earn 36.41% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Nurse Anesthetist Pay in Hays
Advanced Certifications in Kansas
KS nurse anesthetists with additional specialty certifications within the nursing field earn significantly above the $211,827 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Hays employers.
Specialty Focus
Nurse Anesthetists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nursing field in Hays command premium compensation, often reaching the $258,894–$288,961 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 nurse anesthetists who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured nurse anesthetists 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
Nurse Anesthetists in Kansas who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Nurse Anesthetist Career & Wage Growth Path in Hays
Clinical Nurse Anesthetist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Nurse Anesthetist
5-10 yearsNurse Anesthetist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedHays ranks #20 of 22 Kansas cities for top earner nurse anesthetist salary (90th percentile: $288,961).
Top 10% nurse anesthetist compensation in Hays ($288,961) is 4.85% above the Kansas average P90 ($275,595).
2024 BLS Actual
$211,537
2025 BLS Actual
$274,678
2026 Current Est.
$288,961
2024–2027 Growth
+43.7%
Salary Trajectory for Nurse Anesthetists in Hays (2024–2027)
2024–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $211,537 | Actual |
| 2025 | $274,678 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $288,961 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $303,987 | Projected |
Top-earning nurse anesthetists (90th percentile) in Hays saw their compensation grow 29.8% from $211,537 in 2024 to $274,678 in 2025, based on 2 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 5.20% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $303,987 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2024–2025) 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 5.20% CAGR derived from 2-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Maximizing Your Nurse Anesthetist Earnings in Hays
In-depth knowledge in specialized areas can lead to higher compensation for senior nurse anesthetists within Hays, particularly for those engaging in pediatric anesthesia, obstetric anesthesia, or chronic pain management at level-1 trauma centers. Compensation can vary considerably depending on the employer type, with hospital systems typically providing full W-2 employment benefits, while CRNA-owned anesthesia practices often present partnership tracks that cater to independent practitioners. Leadership positions such as chief CRNA or anesthesia department director offer viable advancement paths, capitalizing on the existing need for experienced leadership in various settings. Advanced credentials, such as the CRNA license and optional fellowships, can also enhance prospects, leading to improved income potential. Beyond salary, non-monetary benefits such as call coverage differentials and partnership profit sharing serve as crucial compensation drivers at this level, reflecting the multifaceted nature of senior nurse anesthetist pay in Hays, KS.
More salary data for Hays, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced nurse anesthetists make in Hays in 2026?
What drives higher nurse anesthetist pay in Hays?
What certifications boost nurse anesthetist salary in Hays?
Can experienced nurse anesthetists make six figures in Hays?
How much does nurse anesthetist salary increase over time in Hays?
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Written by Alexandra Johnson, MSN, CRNA
Career Analyst
Alexandra Johnson has 10 years of experience as a nurse anesthetist. She specializes in anesthesia for orthopedic surgeries. She works in a regional medical center.
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 $274,678 for nurse anesthetists in the Hays metro area. A 5.20% 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 5.20%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for nurse anesthetists (SOC 29-1151).
Compiled and verified by Alexandra Johnson, MSN, CRNA, a licensed nurse anesthetist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov