Hays vs Manhattan: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Hays, KS and Manhattan, KS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Hays, KS | Manhattan, KS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $66,846▲ | $53,818 |
| Hourly Rate | $32.13▲ | $25.88 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,913▲ | $44,048 |
| 25th Percentile | $55,052▲ | $49,634 |
| 75th Percentile | $84,066▲ | $65,690 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $95,936▲ | $78,645 |
| Total Employed | 5 | 280▲ |
Verdict
Hays, KS offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Manhattan.
The salary gap between Hays and Manhattan is $13,028 (24.21%). Hays's median is -14.89% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hays spans $49,023,Manhattan spans $34,597. Hays has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Hays ($73,538 effective) pays 23.20% more than Manhattan ($59,690 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Hays if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($66,846/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($95,936)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $73,538)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Choose Manhattan if…
- ✓Larger job market (280 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Hays grew 38.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 5.9% growth in Manhattan over the same period.
Hays, KS
$46,809 (2024) → $64,861 (2025)
Manhattan, KS
$49,290 (2019) → $52,220 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Manhattan, KS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Hays or Manhattan?
What is the hourly rate difference between Hays and Manhattan?
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Written by Jordan Lee, BA Criminal Justice
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has over 10 years of experience in law enforcement. They specialize in community policing strategies. Jordan works with a municipal police department.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.06% 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 Jordan Lee, BA Criminal Justice, a licensed police officer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov