Senior Financial Advisor Salary in Hays, KS: $143,180 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of financial advisors working in Hays, KS — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $143,180/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 13-2052. Strip back Hays's price premium (BEA RPP 90.9, 9% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $157,514 in average-cost America. The 55% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Earning potential for seasoned financial advisors in Hays, Kansas, presents a compelling opportunity, particularly for those entering the upper echelons of the field. With a median annual salary projected at $92,374 for 2026, top earners can significantly enhance their income, reaching up to $143,180. This gap between the median and the upper 90th percentile illustrates the substantial financial rewards available to those who invest in building a robust client base and specialize in high-demand areas such as wealth management. Achieving top-tier compensation often requires years of experience, strong networking skills, and expertise in areas that attract high-net-worth clients, along with advanced financial credentials.
About the Hays Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hays
Experienced financial advisors at the top of the pay scale in Hays earn between $118,238 and $143,180 per year (2026 est.). This $89,603 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Hays median of $92,374 sits 14.89% below the US median.
Top CFP, FA Salary Comparison
| Level | Hays | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $92,374 | $108,537 |
| 75th Percentile | $118,238 | $182,624 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $143,180 | $368,802 |
In Hays, experienced financial advisors (P90) earn 55.00% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Financial Advisor Pay in Hays
Advanced Certifications in Kansas
KS financial advisors with additional specialty certifications within the financial planning field earn significantly above the $92,374 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Hays employers.
Specialty Focus
Financial Advisors focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the financial planning field in Hays command premium compensation, often reaching the $118,238–$143,180 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 financial advisors who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured financial advisors 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
Financial Advisors in Kansas who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Financial Advisor Career & Wage Growth Path in Hays
Clinical Financial Advisor
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Financial Advisor
5-10 yearsFinancial Advisor Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedHays ranks #19 of 22 Kansas cities for top earner financial advisor salary (90th percentile: $143,180).
Top 10% financial advisor compensation in Hays ($143,180) is 36.75% below the Kansas average P90 ($226,359).
2024 BLS Actual
$90,807
2025 BLS Actual
$138,606
2026 Current Est.
$143,180
2024–2027 Growth
+62.9%
Salary Trajectory for Financial Advisors in Hays (2024–2027)
2024–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.30% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $90,807 | Actual |
| 2025 | $138,606 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $143,180 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $147,905 | Projected |
Top-earning financial advisors (90th percentile) in Hays saw their compensation grow 52.6% from $90,807 in 2024 to $138,606 in 2025, based on 2 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 3.30% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $147,905 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 3.30% CAGR derived from 2-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Maximizing Your Financial Advisor Earnings in Hays
To truly maximize senior financial advisor pay in KS, professionals often pursue specialization in sectors commanding premium rates, including high-net-worth private wealth advising, estate planning, and business succession. Compensation structures vary significantly between employer types; wirehouses like Morgan Stanley or Merrill Lynch may offer different incentives compared to independent financial advisory firms (RIAs) or insurance-related firms such as Northwestern Mutual. Senior advisors managing significant assets under management (AUM) can capitalize on fee models that reward them directly for performance. Additionally, career advancement scenarios, ranging from junior advisors progressing to equity partner roles in RIAs, demonstrate potential growth paths. Obtaining advanced certifications, such as CFP or CFA, can further enhance earning potential in Hays. Non-salary compensations, including equity stakes or client retention bonuses, may also be influential in enriching the total financial advisor package in this evolving market.
More salary data for Hays, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced financial advisors make in Hays in 2026?
What drives higher financial advisor pay in Hays?
What certifications boost financial advisor salary in Hays?
Can experienced financial advisors make six figures in Hays?
How much does financial advisor salary increase over time in Hays?
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Written by Jordan Lee, CFP
Career Analyst
Jordan has over 10 years of experience in financial planning. They specialize in retirement planning for individuals. They work at a financial services firm in New York City.
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 $138,606 for financial advisors in the Hays metro area. A 3.30% 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 3.30%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for financial advisors (SOC 13-2052).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, CFP, a licensed financial advisor with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov