Salaries in Salina, KS
What every job actually pays — cost-of-living adjusted
Updated: February 2026 · 27 occupations · BLS + Census data
If you think a software developer’s salary only goes far in a coastal tech hub, Salina, Kansas will make you think twice. In 2026, this city of 46,432 people has a secret weapon for skilled workers: an 88.0 cost of living index that stretches paychecks dramatically. A software developer here earns a median of $122,678, but with the COL-adjustment, that’s like making $139,407 nationally.
That low COL is the whole story. With the US average at 100, your money buys 12% more here. A one-bedroom apartment runs about $792 a month. The median household income is $60,624, which feels solid when you’re not hemorrhaging cash on rent. The city’s 2.9% unemployment rate points to a stable, if not fiery, job market. It’s a place where a middle-class life doesn’t require a six-figure salary just to get by.
Who’s winning here? The data shows a clear split. Top earners are in tech, finance, and healthcare—think software developers, accountants, and registered nurses, all pulling in the low-to-mid $80,000s. The city’s economy is buoyed by sectors like agriculture, manufacturing, and education. It’s not a startup scene; it’s a place for established professionals in stable industries. The 28.7% of residents with a bachelor’s degree or higher often find their credentials pay off handsomely in this market.
Here’s the honest catch: while the average salary across all roles is $54,955 ($62,449 adjusted), that’s below the national median. Salina works best for those in the top-paying occupations or dual-income households. Wages haven’t exploded, but neither have costs. It’s a trade-off—financial breathing room in exchange for a quieter pace.
The numbers below will show you exactly which career paths offer the best financial footing in this surprising Midwestern value play.
🏆 Top 5 Highest-Paying Jobs in Salina
Ranked by raw salary. See COL-adjusted figures in the full table below.
Software Developer
Accountant
Registered Nurse
Elementary School Teacher
Electrician
📋 Complete Salary Guide — All 27 Occupations in Salina
COL-Adjusted Salary = Raw salary divided by the cost of living index (88/100). Higher = more real purchasing power. This city's COL is below the US average.
| # | Occupation ↕ | Raw Salary ↕ |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Software Developer | $122,678 |
| 2 | Accountant | $82,981 |
| 3 | Registered Nurse | $82,971 |
| 4 | Elementary School Teacher | $61,377 |
| 5 | Electrician | $59,334 |
| 6 | Real Estate Agent | $59,266 |
| 7 | Heavy Truck Driver | $51,178 |
| 8 | Medical Assistant | $48,200 |
| 9 | Paralegal | $48,200 |
| 10 | Welder | $48,200 |
| 11 | Dental Hygienist | $48,200 |
| 12 | Police Officer | $48,200 |
| 13 | Project Manager | $48,200 |
| 14 | Graphic Designer | $48,200 |
| 15 | Data Analyst | $48,200 |
| 16 | Construction Manager | $48,200 |
| 17 | Plumber | $48,200 |
| 18 | Carpenter | $48,200 |
| 19 | Human Resources Specialist | $48,200 |
| 20 | Physical Therapist | $48,200 |
| 21 | Financial Analyst | $48,200 |
| 22 | Pharmacist | $48,200 |
| 23 | HVAC Technician | $48,200 |
| 24 | Web Developer | $48,200 |
| 25 | Firefighter | $48,200 |
| 26 | Nursing Assistant (CNA) | $48,200 |
| 27 | Marketing Manager | $48,200 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics. COL Index from C2ER/ACCRA.
🏙️ Living Costs in Salina
🧮 Can You Afford to Live in Salina?
Use our Salary Reality Check to see if your specific income covers housing, taxes, and expenses in Salina. Enter your salary and see exactly how far your money goes.
❓ Salina Salary FAQ
What is the average salary in Salina, KS?
▼
What jobs pay the most in Salina?
▼
Is Salina affordable on a Software Developer salary?
▼
How does Salina's cost of living affect my paycheck?
▼
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Salina?
▼
📝 Editor's Verdict: Is Salina Worth It?
Here’s my take: Salina is a solid bet if you’re chasing purchasing power. With a cost-of-living index of 88.0 and rent around $792, your paycheck stretches further than in most places. The average salary sits at $54,955, but the real star is software development—offering $122,678 raw and a COL-adjusted $139,407. Tech workers win big here; healthcare and trades see decent stability but less upside. If you’re in tech, Salina offers a rare combo of strong pay and low costs. My advice? Negotiate based on the adjusted value—your money goes farther, but don’t leave cash on the table. Worth it? For the right profile, absolutely.