Financial Analyst in Salina, KS

Here is a comprehensive career guide for Financial Analysts considering a move to Salina, Kansas.

---

The Salary Picture: Where Salina Stands

As a local, I can tell you that Salina isn't a city where you're competing with hundreds of analysts in a sprawling metro. The financial professional scene is tight-knit, and the compensation reflects that. The median salary for a Financial Analyst in Salina is $95,445/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $45.89/hour. While this is slightly below the national average of $99,010/year, the cost of living advantage is significant.

It's important to understand how experience plays out in this specific market. Unlike a major coastal city, you won't see dramatic salary jumps with each year of experience. Growth is steadier, and titles can be more fluid. Here’s a realistic breakdown of what you can expect based on years in the field.

Experience Level	Typical Years	Estimated Annual Salary Range (Salina)
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$68,000 - $78,000
Mid-Level	3-7 years	$82,000 - $102,000
Senior	8-15 years	$105,000 - $125,000
Expert/Manager	15+ years	$125,000 - $150,000+

Insider Tip: The jump from mid-level to senior is where you'll see the most significant increase, but it often requires taking on direct reports or managing a specific portfolio (e.g., agricultural lending, manufacturing cost centers). The "Expert" tier is rare and usually reserved for CFOs of mid-sized local firms or directors at the larger regional banks.

When you compare us to other Kansas cities, the picture becomes clearer. Salina offers stability and a lower cost of living. You won't match the top-end salaries of Kansas City or Wichita, but your dollar stretches much further. Kansas City's median salary for analysts hovers around $102,000, but the cost of living is over 20% higher. Salina is a place to build a comfortable, debt-free life, not necessarily to chase the absolute highest paycheck.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get down to brass tacks. That median salary of $95,445 sounds good on paper, but what does it mean for your monthly budget in Salina? We'll assume you're filing as a single filer with no dependents for a baseline estimate.

• Gross Monthly Income: $7,953.75
• Estimated Federal Taxes (2024): ~$1,250
• FICA (SS & Medicare): ~$608
• Kansas State Income Tax (4% bracket): ~$318
• Net Monthly Take-Home: Approximately $5,777

Now, let's layer in the local cost of living. The average one-bedroom apartment rent in Salina is $792/month. The overall Cost of Living Index is 88.0 (US Avg = 100), meaning everything from groceries to utilities is about 12% cheaper than the national average.

Here’s a realistic monthly budget for a Financial Analyst earning the median salary:

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Net Income	$5,777	After taxes
Rent (1BR)	$792	City average
Utilities	$180	Includes electric, gas, water, trash
Groceries	$350	2-person household estimate
Car Payment/Insurance	$450	Assumes a modest car payment
Fuel	$120	Commute within Salina
Health Insurance (pre-tax)	$250	Through employer
Retirement (10% pre-tax)	$795	401(k) contribution
Discretionary/Entertainment	$1,240	Eating out, hobbies, savings, etc.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. With a take-home of over $5,700 and rent under $800, the path to homeownership is very feasible. The median home value in Salina is around $165,000. A 20% down payment is $33,000. On a $95,445 salary, saving for that down payment might take 2-3 years of disciplined saving, but the monthly mortgage payment (PITI) on a $132,000 loan would be roughly $950-$1,050—a manageable jump from current rent.

The Where the Jobs Are: Salina's Major Employers

The job market for financial analysts in Salina is stable but not vast. There are 92 jobs in the metro, and the 10-year job growth is 9%, which is steady but not explosive. You're not going to find a new fintech startup here. The opportunities lie in established, often family-owned or regional firms. Here are the places you need to know:

1. Salina Regional Health Center: The largest employer in the county. They have a robust finance department for budgeting, forecasting, and cost accounting for the hospital system. Hiring trends are consistent, often looking for analysts with healthcare or non-profit financial experience.

2. Tony's Pizza (Schwan's Company): A massive production facility in town. They need analysts for supply chain finance, manufacturing cost analysis, and corporate FP&A. This is a prime spot for someone with a CPG (Consumer Packaged Goods) or manufacturing background.

3. Farm Credit Mid-America: A major agricultural lender with a significant presence in Salina. They are always looking for credit analysts and agricultural financial analysts. Understanding commodity markets and farm economics is a huge plus here.

4. First Bank Kansas / Intrust Bank: These regional banks have their HQ or major operations in Salina. They hire financial analysts for commercial lending, credit analysis, and internal audit. The culture is very community-focused.

5. Salina Municipal Utilities (SMU): A stable, government-adjacent employer. They need analysts for budgeting, rate analysis, and long-term capital planning. These jobs are highly sought after for their benefits and job security.

6. Local CPA & Advisory Firms: Firms like Eide Bailly (regional firm with a Salina office) and Soderling & Associates hire analysts for tax planning, business valuation, and advisory services. This is a great path if you want client-facing work.

Insider Tip: Hiring tends to be slow and deliberate. Most openings are posted on the company websites directly rather than on major job boards. Networking is key. Join the Salina Young Professionals group and attend local chamber events. Many of these jobs are filled by word-of-mouth before they're ever advertised publicly.

Getting Licensed in KS

For most corporate financial analyst roles, you don't need a state-specific license. Your value comes from your education (typically a Bachelor's in Finance, Accounting, or Economics) and certifications like the CFA or CPA. However, if you plan to work in certain sectors, licensing is critical.

• Securities Industry (Broker-Dealer): If you move into investment advising or wealth management, you'll need to register with the Kansas Securities Commissioner. This involves passing exams like the Series 7 and Series 66, and your firm must be registered with the state. There is a registration fee, but it's typically covered by the employer. The timeline is 3-6 months to study and pass exams.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA): To offer public accounting services, you must be licensed by the Kansas Board of Accountancy. You need 150 credit hours of education, to pass the Uniform CPA Exam, and to complete one year of work experience. The exam fees are around $1,000, and the state license is approximately $200. The process can take 1-2 years.
• Insurance: If you work in risk management or actuarial analysis for an insurance company (like a local agency), you may need a producer license from the Kansas Insurance Department. Pre-licensing courses and exams are required, with costs around $150-$300.

Insider Tip: For a standard corporate analyst role, focus on the CFA charter. It's globally recognized and carries weight in Salina's more traditional industries like agriculture and manufacturing. The Kansas State University campus in Salina sometimes hosts study groups or info sessions for these exams.

Best Neighborhoods for Financial Analysts

Salina is geographically spread out, but the commute is trivial by national standards—rarely more than 15 minutes. Your choice of neighborhood should be based on lifestyle, not traffic.

1. South Salina (The "South Side"): This is where most young professionals and families choose to live. It's safe, has newer housing stock, and is close to the South Crawford Creek shopping area. The commute to all major employers is under 10 minutes. Expect to pay a slight premium for rent here. Rent Estimate (1BR): $825 - $925.

2. Downtown Historic District: For those who want walkability and character. You'll be close to local restaurants, the Stiefel Theatre, and the Salina Art Center. Housing is a mix of renovated apartments and condos. It's perfect for someone who wants a more urban feel in a small city. Rent Estimate (1BR): $750 - $1,000.

3. West Salina: More established neighborhoods with older, spacious homes at a good value. It's a quiet, residential area. The commute is still easy, but you're farther from the immediate dining and entertainment hubs. A good option for someone looking to buy a starter home. Rent Estimate (1BR): $700 - $800.

4. North Salina: This area is dominated by Kansas State University's Salina campus. It's a great area if you're considering going back to school for an advanced degree. The community is vibrant, with a mix of students and long-term residents. Rent Estimate (1BR): $650 - $800.

Insider Tip: The rental market moves quickly. A lot of the best inventory is never listed online. Drive through your target neighborhoods and look for "For Rent" signs. Also, Salina has a significant housing stock from the 1950s-70s. Be sure to ask about insulation and window quality—older homes can have higher utility costs.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Career advancement in Salina is less about jumping to a competitor and more about deepening your expertise within a local industry. The 10-year job growth of 9% indicates a stable, not a booming, market.

• Specialty Premiums: The highest premiums for salary growth are in agricultural finance and manufacturing cost accounting. Becoming an expert in the financial dynamics of a John Deere plant, an oilseed processor, or a commercial bank's agricultural lending portfolio is your ticket to senior roles. A senior agricultural credit analyst at Farm Credit can easily clear $120,000+.
• Advancement Paths:
  • Corporate Path: Staff Accountant -> Junior Financial Analyst -> Senior Financial Analyst -> Finance Manager -> Controller/ Director of Finance.
  • Banking Path: Credit Analyst -> Senior Credit Analyst -> Loan Officer / Portfolio Manager -> VP of Lending.
  • Advisory Path: Staff Accountant -> Tax Associate -> Senior Accountant -> Manager -> Partner.
• 10-Year Outlook: The core industries in Salina—agriculture, manufacturing, and healthcare—are not going away. They will continue to need skilled financial professionals. The key to long-term growth will be adapting to technological changes (like advanced ERP systems and data analytics) and potentially taking on leadership roles. The path to a six-figure salary is reliable, but reaching the $150,000+ tier typically requires moving into the C-suite of a local firm or becoming a partner at an advisory firm.

Insider Tip: To stand out, become a subject-matter expert in a local industry. Learn the nuances of Kansas's agricultural tax laws or the production costs of a specific manufacturing line. That hyper-local knowledge is something a candidate from Chicago or Denver won't have.

The Verdict: Is Salina Right for You?

Making the move to Salina is a lifestyle choice as much as a career one. It's not for everyone, but for the right person, it offers a quality of life that's hard to find elsewhere.

Pros	Cons
Extremely Low Cost of Living: Your salary goes much further, enabling homeownership and savings.	Limited Job Market: Fewer than 100 analyst jobs total. Lateral moves are rare.
High Quality of Life: Safe, family-friendly, low stress, and easy commutes.	Limited "Finance Scene": Few networking events, conferences, or specialized seminars.
Stable, Recession-Resistant Industries: Agriculture and healthcare provide job security.	Salaries Cap Out Sooner: Top-end compensation is lower than in major metros.
Strong Community: Easy to become a known and valued professional.	Cultural & Entertainment Options are limited compared to larger cities.
Proximity to Major Hubs: 1.5 hours to Wichita, 2 hours to Kansas City for weekend trips.	Weather: Hot, windy summers and cold winters.

Final Recommendation:
Salina is an excellent choice for a Financial Analyst who values stability, affordability, and community over high-paced career climbing and urban amenities. If you're early in your career and want to build a strong foundation, buy a home, and develop deep industry expertise, Salina is a hidden gem. If you're looking to hit $200,000 in five years, work in a dynamic startup environment, or have a very specific niche in finance that doesn't exist here, you will be frustrated. For most, it's a fantastic place to build a life, not just a career.

FAQs

1. Is the salary of $95,445 enough to live comfortably in Salina?
Yes, absolutely. With the cost of living index at 88.0 and average rent at $792, a median salary of $95,445 provides a very comfortable lifestyle. You can afford a nice apartment, a reliable car, save for retirement, and still have plenty left for entertainment and travel.

2. How competitive is the job market for Financial Analysts?
The market is stable but not highly competitive in terms of volume. With only 92 jobs in the metro, openings don't appear daily. However, when a position at a major employer like Salina Regional or Tony's Pizza opens up, you can expect several qualified local applicants. Networking is more critical here than in a large city.

3. What certifications are most valued by Salina employers?
For corporate roles, a CPA is highly respected, especially if you're working towards a Controller position. For banking and agricultural finance, the CFA charter is a strong differentiator. In healthcare, experience with specific financial systems (like Meditech or Epic) can be as valuable as a certification.

4. Is it necessary to have a car in Salina?
Yes, 100%. Salina is a classic Midwestern city. Public transportation exists but is limited. Most neighborhoods, job sites, and shopping centers are spread out. Having a reliable car is essential for daily life.

5. What's the best way to find a Financial Analyst job in Salina?
Start with the career pages of the major employers listed above (Salina Regional, Tony's Pizza, Farm Credit, etc.). Check the Salina Post (local newspaper) and the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce website. Use LinkedIn, but filter for Salina and be patient. The most effective method is to connect with professionals at your target companies and express your interest in the local market.