Career Guide: Project Management in Salina, Kansas

If you’re a Project Manager (PM) weighing a move to the Midwest, Salina, Kansas, offers a compelling blend of affordability and opportunity. This isn't a sprawling metropolis like Kansas City or Denver; it's a self-reliant regional hub with a distinct economy driven by manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare, and a surprising amount of aviation. As someone who knows this city's rhythm—from the morning coffee at the Cozy Corridor to the evening bustle at the Salina Renaissance Festival—let me walk you through what it really means to build a project management career here.

The Salary Picture: Where Salina Stands

First, let's talk numbers. In Salina, the median salary for a Project Manager is $97,633 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $46.94. This is slightly below the national average of $101,280, but that gap is more than offset by Salina's low cost of living. For context, Salina's metro area (Saline County) has about 92 job openings for PMs at any given time, with a 10-year job growth projection of 6%. That's steady, stable growth—not explosive, but reliable.

Experience is the biggest driver of salary here, as in most markets. Salina's employers, from heavy manufacturers to hospital systems, pay a premium for PMs who can navigate complex regulatory environments and tight supply chains.

Experience-Level Breakdown

The following table is based on local job postings and industry surveys from the Salina Chamber of Commerce and regional staffing agencies.

Experience Level	Typical Salary Range (Annual)	Key Industries Hiring at This Level
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$68,000 - $81,000	Construction, local government projects, small manufacturing firms
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$85,000 - $105,000	Healthcare (Salina Regional), aerospace suppliers, agricultural tech
Senior-Level (8-15 years)	$110,000 - $135,000	Major manufacturers, regional construction firms, large-scale IT projects
Expert/Specialized (15+ years)	$135,000 - $155,000+	Aerospace (e.g., Garmin), complex supply chain logistics, executive roles

Comparison to Other Kansas Cities

While Salina's median salary is $97,633, it's important to see how it stacks up against other Kansas metros. The cost of living is the critical differentiator.

City	Median PM Salary	Cost of Living Index (US Avg = 100)	Real Value Assessment
Salina	$97,633	88.0	High purchasing power. Your dollar stretches far here.
Wichita	$102,500	87.5	Similar affordability, but a larger, more competitive market.
Kansas City	$112,400	91.5	Higher salary, but significantly higher housing and transportation costs.
Topeka	$99,800	88.2	Very comparable to Salina, with a larger government sector.
Manhattan	$95,200	90.1	Lower salary, driven by the university and college economy.

Insider Tip: Don't just chase the highest number. A PM in Kansas City earning $112,400 pays roughly 20% more in rent and 15% more in overall expenses. In Salina, that $97,633 feels like a six-figure income in a major coastal city.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get practical. How does a $97,633 salary break down in Salina, where the average 1-bedroom rent is just $792/month?

Assumptions: Single filer, using 2023 federal tax brackets and standard deduction, Kansas state tax of 5.7%, and typical deductions (FICA, health insurance). This is a realistic estimate, not a financial plan.

• Gross Annual Salary: $97,633
• Estimated Annual Taxes (Federal + State): ~$23,500
• Estimated Annual Take-Home Pay: $74,133 (~$6,177/month)

Monthly Budget Breakdown for a Single Project Manager:

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR, decent area)	$792	Well below the national average.
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Water, Internet)	$180	Seasonal variation; winters can be cold.
Groceries & Household	$400	Competitive prices at local chains like Dillons and Walmart.
Car Payment & Insurance	$500	Essential; public transit is limited.
Health Insurance (Employer Plan)	$350	Varies widely by employer.
Retirement & Savings (10%)	$617	Highly recommended.
Discretionary Spending	$2,338	This is where Salina shines.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?
Absolutely. With $2,338 in discretionary income monthly, saving for a down payment is feasible. The median home price in Salina is around $180,000. A 20% down payment ($36,000) could be saved in under two years. Monthly mortgage payments (including taxes and insurance) on a $180,000 home would likely be between $1,100 - $1,300, which is still very manageable on this salary.

Where the Jobs Are: Salina's Major Employers

Salina's job market is anchored by a few key sectors. Project Managers are in demand wherever there's complex, multi-phase work. Here are the primary employers you need to know:

1. Salina Regional Health Center (SRHC): The largest private employer in the region. PMs here manage everything from new facility construction and IT system rollouts (like Epic EHR) to community health initiatives. Hiring is steady, with a focus on PMs who understand healthcare compliance (HIPAA, etc.).
2. Schwan's Company (in nearby Marshall, MN, but a major regional employer): While their HQ is elsewhere, their massive Salina distribution and manufacturing footprint is a huge source of project work for supply chain logistics, facility upgrades, and automation projects.
3. Tony's Pizza (a division of Schwan's): A massive food production plant in Salina. Insider Tip: This facility runs 24/7. PMs here need to be adept at managing projects with zero downtime—think line upgrades, food safety protocol implementations, and new product launches—all while keeping production wheels turning.
4. Regional Construction Firms: Companies like Koogler Enterprises and Taylor Construction are consistent hirers. They manage commercial, industrial, and municipal projects. This is a classic "boots-on-the-ground" PM role, perfect for those who thrive on seeing tangible results.
5. Aviation & Aerospace Suppliers: Salina is home to Garmin (a major employer just south of the city) and smaller suppliers to the nearby Boeing and Spirit AeroSystems ecosystems. Project Managers here work on precision manufacturing, R&D projects, and quality assurance system implementations. It's a niche but high-value market.
6. City of Salina & Saline County Government: Public works, infrastructure, and community development projects are a constant. These roles offer incredible job security and benefits, though the hiring process can be slower and more bureaucratic.
7. Kansas State University Polytechnic Campus: While not a massive employer, K-State Polytechnic in Salina (focused on aviation, engineering, and technology) drives research and tech-transfer projects. They contract PMs for grant-funded initiatives and campus expansion.

Hiring Trends: There's a growing need for PMs with agile or hybrid methodology experience, especially in tech-adjacent manufacturing (Garmin, aviation suppliers). For healthcare and construction, traditional waterfall and critical path methods are still king.

Getting Licensed in KS

Kansas does not have a state-specific licensing requirement for Project Managers, unlike fields such as engineering or architecture. However, certifications are the de facto license for career advancement.

• PMP (Project Management Professional): The gold standard from the Project Management Institute (PMI). This is the most recognized credential in Salina, especially for senior roles in corporate and healthcare settings. Cost: ~$555 for members, ~$405 for non-members (exam fee). Expect to need 35 hours of project management education.
• Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM): A great entry-level option from PMI. Cost: ~$225 (member) / ~$300 (non-member).
• State-Specific Requirements: None. The Kansas State Board of Technical Professions governs licensed engineers and architects, but not PMs.
• Timeline to Get Started: If you start your PMP journey now, expect a 6-9 month timeline to study, complete the required education hours, prepare your application, and pass the exam. For the CAPM, you can realistically prepare in 2-3 months.

Insider Tip: Local employers like Salina Regional and Garmin highly value the PMP. It's often listed as "preferred" in job postings and can be a key differentiator in negotiations.

Best Neighborhoods for Project Managers

Where you live in Salina affects your commute and daily life. Traffic is virtually non-existent, but lifestyle varies by neighborhood.

1. South Salina (Near K-State Polytechnic & Garmin):
   • Vibe: Quiet, suburban, family-oriented. Close to the tech and aerospace employers.
   • Commute: 10-15 minutes to most major workplaces.
   • Rent Estimate: $850 - $1,100/month for a 1BR/2BR. Slightly pricier but newer construction.
2. Downtown/Midtown:
   • Vibe: Historic, walkable, with a growing arts and food scene. Home to the Stiefel Theatre, coffee shops, and local boutiques. Ideal for young professionals who want a bit of nightlife.
   • Commute: Under 10 minutes to anywhere in the city.
   • Rent Estimate: $700 - $900/month. Older buildings, some with unique charm but potentially less modern amenities.
3. West Salina (Near SRHC & Shopping):
   • Vibe: Commercial hub with easy access to major retailers (Target, Lowe's), restaurants, and Salina Regional Health Center. Very convenient for daily errands.
   • Commute: 5-15 minutes to most jobs.
   • Rent Estimate: $750 - $1,000/month. A mix of apartment complexes and single-family homes.
4. East Salina (Near I-135):
   • Vibe: More industrial and warehouse districts, but also includes some established residential areas. Good value.
   • Commute: 10-20 minutes to the west side, but very close to Tony's Pizza and industrial parks.
   • Rent Estimate: $650 - $850/month. Typically the most affordable option.
5. The "Country" Fringe (North & South of City Limits):
   • Vibe: Rural living on large lots. For PMs who want space and a quiet retreat after a day managing people and deadlines.
   • Commute: 15-25 minutes to downtown.
   • Rent Estimate: Varies widely; you'd likely rent a house. $900 - $1,400/month.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Salina, career growth is less about jumping companies every two years and more about deepening expertise and taking on larger scopes.

• Specialty Premiums:
  • Healthcare PM: Can command a 10-15% premium over the median due to the complexity of regulations (HIPAA, Joint Commission).
  • Aerospace/Manufacturing PM: A 10-20% premium is possible, especially if you have Six Sigma or Lean Manufacturing certifications (Black Belt level).
  • IT/Software PM: Growing field, but limited local roles. May require remote work for a company based elsewhere (e.g., Garmin's software division).
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Project Manager → Senior Project Manager → Program Manager. This is the most common path, managing larger, interrelated projects.
  2. PM → Director of Operations/Project Management Office (PMO). In larger organizations like Salina Regional or a major manufacturer, a PMO is established. Leadership here is a key goal.
  3. PM → Consulting. With 10+ years of experience, you can become a solo consultant or join a firm, serving multiple clients in the region.
• 10-Year Outlook (6% Growth): The 6% job growth is steady, not explosive. This means you won't see a flood of new PM positions, but turnover will create openings. The demand will be for PMs who are technologically adept (AI tools for scheduling, data analytics for risk management) and specialized. The key to longevity is to become an indispensable expert in one of Salina's core industries—healthcare, advanced manufacturing, or agriculture.

The Verdict: Is Salina Right for You?

Salina isn't for everyone. It's a pragmatic choice for professionals who value financial stability, a slower pace of life, and a strong community over big-city amenities.

Pros	Cons
Extremely low cost of living lets you save aggressively or live well on a median salary.	Limited cultural diversity and nightlife compared to larger cities.
Short, easy commutes (average <15 minutes). No traffic stress.	Career specialization options are narrower; you may need to commute to Wichita or work remotely.
Stable, growing job market in resilient industries (food, healthcare, aviation).	Winters are cold and can be long; the landscape is flat and can feel monotonous.
Strong sense of community and Midwestern friendliness. It's easy to network and feel connected.	Insider Tip: The job market can be insular. "Who you know" matters, so get involved with local PMI chapters or business groups early.

Final Recommendation:
Salina is an excellent choice for Project Managers in the mid-to-senior level who are looking for financial freedom and work-life balance. It's ideal for those who are self-starters and don't rely on a bustling city for entertainment. If you're early in your career and crave a fast-paced, diverse environment with endless networking events, you might find Salina limiting. But if you want to build a secure financial future, own a home, and manage meaningful projects without the grind of a major metropolis, Salina is a hidden gem.

FAQs

1. How competitive is the job market for Project Managers in Salina?
It's moderately competitive. With only 92 jobs in the metro area, you're not competing with thousands like in a big city, but you are competing with a tight-knit local network. Tailor your resume to the specific industry (e.g., highlight healthcare compliance for SRHC or supply chain experience for a manufacturer). Use LinkedIn to connect with hiring managers at target companies.

2. Do I need to know someone to get hired?
It helps immensely, but it's not an absolute requirement. Salina values reliability and a strong work ethic. A well-crafted application that speaks directly to the employer's needs will get noticed. Attend local chamber of commerce events or the Salina Economic Development Corporation mixers to make connections.

3. What's the work culture like?
Generally, it's professional and respectful, with a strong emphasis on punctuality and follow-through. The culture can be more formal than in tech hubs. Work-life balance is valued, and you're expected to be off the clock after hours. However, in manufacturing or healthcare, you may be on-call for critical issues.

4. Can I work remotely as a Project Manager in Salina?
Yes, increasingly so. Many Salina-based PMs work for companies headquartered elsewhere, especially in the tech and consulting sectors. The city's investment in fiber internet makes remote work viable. However, if you're looking to work remotely for a local company, it's less common for project management roles that require on-site coordination.

5. What's the best way to prepare for a move to Salina?

1. Get certified (PMP/CAPM).
2. Research the major employers listed above and set up job alerts.
3. Visit if you can. Stay for a weekend to experience the neighborhoods and vibe.
4. Budget for the move. Even though rent is cheap, you'll need first month, last month, and a security deposit. Factor in moving costs and a car, as public transit is limited.
5. Join a local PMI chapter (even virtually) to start building your network before you arrive.

Welcome to Salina. It's a city that rewards hard work with a good life.