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Social Worker Salary in Hays, KS

How much does a social worker make in Hays? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Hays's cost of living.

Median Salary
$45,427
per year in Hays
Entry Level
$27,581
Starting salary
Senior Level
$63,274
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
82
18% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how social worker salaries break down across different pay periods in Hays.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$27,581$45,427$63,274
Monthly$2,298$3,786$5,273
Biweekly$1,061$1,747$2,434
Weekly$530$874$1,217
Hourly$13$22$30

Hays vs National Average

How Hays's social worker salaries compare to national figures.

Hays Salary
$45,427
COL Index: 82
National Average
$67,560
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$22,133
Lower in Hays

Cost of Living in Hays

1-Bedroom Rent
$700
per month
Median Income
$44,821
per year
Population
21,490
residents
Rent % of Income
18.7%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 82 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Hays have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About Social Worker

Overview

Help individuals and families address social and personal issues.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Social Work; Master's degree often required

Key Skills

CounselingCase ManagementCommunicationProblem Solving

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +14% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Social Worker Salary

See Social Worker salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$72,750
+60%
Los Angeles, CA
$76,600
+69%
Chicago, IL
$64,600
+42%
Houston, TX
$50,710
+12%
Phoenix, AZ
$50,150
+10%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Social Worker Salary in Hays, KS — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a social worker in Hays, KS is $45,427 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 82. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Hays's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level social worker professionals in Hays can expect to earn around $27,581 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level social workers earning approximately $63,274 per year. This represents a 129% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Hays's cost of living index of 82 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Hays are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $67,560, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a social worker's salary in Hays typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $700 per month, housing represents about 18.5% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Social Workers are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 14% over the next decade. In Hays, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Data source: Salary estimates on this page are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, adjusted for regional cost of living differences. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.