Life In Riley County, Kansas
Known affectionately as the Little Apple, Manhattan sits directly in the heart of the Kansas Flint Hills. Daily life here revolves around the academic energy of Kansas State University and immediate access to massive outdoor spaces. Residents can easily work remotely from a local coffee shop in Aggieville, grab dinner down on Poyntz Avenue, and spend the weekend hiking through 8,600 acres of protected tallgrass at the Konza Prairie. With a twelve minute average commute and...
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Local Employers & Careers
Major employers in Manhattan that are actively hiring roles across healthcare, education, and biodefense.
Kansas State University
Kansas State University is one of the region’s largest and most influential employers, driving innovation, research, and education in Manhattan and across Kansas. As a major public research institution and land grant university, Kansas State prepares students for careers in fields ranging from engineering and agriculture to business, education, and the sciences.
The university offers a wide range of career opportunities across academic departments, student services, research and extension, administration, IT, facilities, finance, HR, communications, and more. With roles spanning faculty, professional staff, and operational teams, Kansas State provides diverse options for professionals at every stage of their careers.
Kansas State’s culture is rooted in collaboration, discovery, and service. Employees are supported through professional development, competitive benefits, and a shared mission to advance knowledge while strengthening communities throughout Kansas and beyond.
Ft. Riley / U.S. Army
One of the largest Army installations in the country and the single biggest economic driver for the greater Manhattan metro, Ft. Riley employs thousands of active-duty soldiers alongside 3,000+ civilian and contractor personnel. Civilian roles span IT, engineering, logistics, healthcare, education, and base operations. The installation injects over $2B annually into the local economy.
(Photo Cred: U.S. Army)
#employers
Ascension Via Christi
Ascension Via Christi is Manhattan's primary acute-care hospital and one of the city's largest employers in clinical healthcare. Part of the national Ascension network, it hires extensively in nursing, medical imaging, surgery, pharmacy, and patient care support. Its Catholic mission and nonprofit status shape a culture oriented around whole-person care, with access to Ascension's wide internal career mobility.
(Photo Cred: Acension Via Chrisit)
#employers
Manhattan-Ogden USD 383
The public school district serves Manhattan and Ogden with 20+ schools and roughly 1,500 employees, making it one of the city's largest non-university employers. Hiring spans classroom teaching at all grade levels, special education, counseling, paraprofessionals, and district administration. The district benefits from strong community investment and consistent enrollment driven by the university and military base.
Why Join USD 383:
- Out-of-state applicants are welcome to apply
- Virtual interviews are available for positions
- Opportunities across teaching, instructional support, substitutes, custodial/maintenance, and more
- Comprehensive employee benefits and retirement contributions for eligible employees
Click here to learn more about USD 383 Manhattan-Ogden Schools
Photo Cred: USD 383 Manhattan-Ogden Schools
#employers
MasonWells Day Spa
MasonWells Day Spa is a luxury wellness destination in Manhattan, Kansas, offering customized experiences focused on relaxation, therapeutic care, and holistic wellness. The MasonWells team provides a variety of services, including massage therapy, skincare and esthetic services, nail care, and other wellness treatments in a secluded spa environment.
Interested in Joining the Team?
MasonWells does not currently list specific openings, but they welcome applications from talented, motivated, and compassionate wellness professionals. Visit their Team page, scroll down to the “Join our team” section, and complete the form with a brief message about your experience and the position you’re interested in.
#employers
Konza Prairie Community Health Center
Konza Prairie Community Health Center is a nonprofit healthcare organization serving communities across Northeast Kansas, with locations in Manhattan, Junction City, and Chapman. Konza provides comprehensive medical, dental, behavioral health, and pharmacy services while working to make high-quality healthcare accessible to everyone in the communities it serves.
See Open Roles for Clinic Staff →
Future Applications for Healthcare Provider Roles →
Other roles and benefits:
- Medical, nursing & clinical opportunities
- Dental & oral healthcare careers
- Behavioral health opportunities
- Administrative & support roles
- Medical, dental & vision insurance
- 403(b) retirement plan
- Paid time off & holidays
- Flexible scheduling with clinics closing at 2 p.m. on Fridays
#employers
Kansas State University
Kansas State University is one of the region’s largest and most influential employers, driving innovation, research, and education in Manhattan and across Kansas. As a major public research institution and land grant university, Kansas State prepares students for careers in fields ranging from engineering and agriculture to business, education, and the sciences.
The university offers a wide range of career opportunities across academic departments, student services, research and extension, administration, IT, facilities, finance, HR, communications, and more. With roles spanning faculty, professional staff, and operational teams, Kansas State provides diverse options for professionals at every stage of their careers.
Kansas State’s culture is rooted in collaboration, discovery, and service. Employees are supported through professional development, competitive benefits, and a shared mission to advance knowledge while strengthening communities throughout Kansas and beyond.
Ft. Riley / U.S. Army
One of the largest Army installations in the country and the single biggest economic driver for the greater Manhattan metro, Ft. Riley employs thousands of active-duty soldiers alongside 3,000+ civilian and contractor personnel. Civilian roles span IT, engineering, logistics, healthcare, education, and base operations. The installation injects over $2B annually into the local economy.
(Photo Cred: U.S. Army)
#employers
Ascension Via Christi
Ascension Via Christi is Manhattan's primary acute-care hospital and one of the city's largest employers in clinical healthcare. Part of the national Ascension network, it hires extensively in nursing, medical imaging, surgery, pharmacy, and patient care support. Its Catholic mission and nonprofit status shape a culture oriented around whole-person care, with access to Ascension's wide internal career mobility.
(Photo Cred: Acension Via Chrisit)
#employers
Manhattan-Ogden USD 383
The public school district serves Manhattan and Ogden with 20+ schools and roughly 1,500 employees, making it one of the city's largest non-university employers. Hiring spans classroom teaching at all grade levels, special education, counseling, paraprofessionals, and district administration. The district benefits from strong community investment and consistent enrollment driven by the university and military base.
Why Join USD 383:
- Out-of-state applicants are welcome to apply
- Virtual interviews are available for positions
- Opportunities across teaching, instructional support, substitutes, custodial/maintenance, and more
- Comprehensive employee benefits and retirement contributions for eligible employees
Click here to learn more about USD 383 Manhattan-Ogden Schools
Photo Cred: USD 383 Manhattan-Ogden Schools
#employers
MasonWells Day Spa
MasonWells Day Spa is a luxury wellness destination in Manhattan, Kansas, offering customized experiences focused on relaxation, therapeutic care, and holistic wellness. The MasonWells team provides a variety of services, including massage therapy, skincare and esthetic services, nail care, and other wellness treatments in a secluded spa environment.
Interested in Joining the Team?
MasonWells does not currently list specific openings, but they welcome applications from talented, motivated, and compassionate wellness professionals. Visit their Team page, scroll down to the “Join our team” section, and complete the form with a brief message about your experience and the position you’re interested in.
#employers
Konza Prairie Community Health Center
Konza Prairie Community Health Center is a nonprofit healthcare organization serving communities across Northeast Kansas, with locations in Manhattan, Junction City, and Chapman. Konza provides comprehensive medical, dental, behavioral health, and pharmacy services while working to make high-quality healthcare accessible to everyone in the communities it serves.
See Open Roles for Clinic Staff →
Future Applications for Healthcare Provider Roles →
Other roles and benefits:
- Medical, nursing & clinical opportunities
- Dental & oral healthcare careers
- Behavioral health opportunities
- Administrative & support roles
- Medical, dental & vision insurance
- 403(b) retirement plan
- Paid time off & holidays
- Flexible scheduling with clinics closing at 2 p.m. on Fridays
#employers
Kansas State University
Kansas State University is one of the region’s largest and most influential employers, driving innovation, research, and education in Manhattan and across Kansas. As a major public research institution and land grant university, Kansas State prepares students for careers in fields ranging from engineering and agriculture to business, education, and the sciences.
The university offers a wide range of career opportunities across academic departments, student services, research and extension, administration, IT, facilities, finance, HR, communications, and more. With roles spanning faculty, professional staff, and operational teams, Kansas State provides diverse options for professionals at every stage of their careers.
Kansas State’s culture is rooted in collaboration, discovery, and service. Employees are supported through professional development, competitive benefits, and a shared mission to advance knowledge while strengthening communities throughout Kansas and beyond.
Ft. Riley / U.S. Army
One of the largest Army installations in the country and the single biggest economic driver for the greater Manhattan metro, Ft. Riley employs thousands of active-duty soldiers alongside 3,000+ civilian and contractor personnel. Civilian roles span IT, engineering, logistics, healthcare, education, and base operations. The installation injects over $2B annually into the local economy.
(Photo Cred: U.S. Army)
#employers
Ascension Via Christi
Ascension Via Christi is Manhattan's primary acute-care hospital and one of the city's largest employers in clinical healthcare. Part of the national Ascension network, it hires extensively in nursing, medical imaging, surgery, pharmacy, and patient care support. Its Catholic mission and nonprofit status shape a culture oriented around whole-person care, with access to Ascension's wide internal career mobility.
(Photo Cred: Acension Via Chrisit)
#employers
Manhattan-Ogden USD 383
The public school district serves Manhattan and Ogden with 20+ schools and roughly 1,500 employees, making it one of the city's largest non-university employers. Hiring spans classroom teaching at all grade levels, special education, counseling, paraprofessionals, and district administration. The district benefits from strong community investment and consistent enrollment driven by the university and military base.
Why Join USD 383:
- Out-of-state applicants are welcome to apply
- Virtual interviews are available for positions
- Opportunities across teaching, instructional support, substitutes, custodial/maintenance, and more
- Comprehensive employee benefits and retirement contributions for eligible employees
Click here to learn more about USD 383 Manhattan-Ogden Schools
Photo Cred: USD 383 Manhattan-Ogden Schools
#employers
MasonWells Day Spa
MasonWells Day Spa is a luxury wellness destination in Manhattan, Kansas, offering customized experiences focused on relaxation, therapeutic care, and holistic wellness. The MasonWells team provides a variety of services, including massage therapy, skincare and esthetic services, nail care, and other wellness treatments in a secluded spa environment.
Interested in Joining the Team?
MasonWells does not currently list specific openings, but they welcome applications from talented, motivated, and compassionate wellness professionals. Visit their Team page, scroll down to the “Join our team” section, and complete the form with a brief message about your experience and the position you’re interested in.
#employers
Konza Prairie Community Health Center
Konza Prairie Community Health Center is a nonprofit healthcare organization serving communities across Northeast Kansas, with locations in Manhattan, Junction City, and Chapman. Konza provides comprehensive medical, dental, behavioral health, and pharmacy services while working to make high-quality healthcare accessible to everyone in the communities it serves.
See Open Roles for Clinic Staff →
Future Applications for Healthcare Provider Roles →
Other roles and benefits:
- Medical, nursing & clinical opportunities
- Dental & oral healthcare careers
- Behavioral health opportunities
- Administrative & support roles
- Medical, dental & vision insurance
- 403(b) retirement plan
- Paid time off & holidays
- Flexible scheduling with clinics closing at 2 p.m. on Fridays
#employers
Awards & Press
Manhattan – “#1 of 16 Midsize U.S. Cities You Do Not Want To Miss” (TravelAwaits, 2023)
Kansas State University – “Best Value College in Kansas” (SmartAsset, 2022)
Manhattan - #65 Best Small Places in the U.S. for Business and Careers (Forbes, 2019)
Manhattan - #81 Top 100 Best Places to Live in America (Livability.com, 2021
Cost of Living Comparison
See how your current cost of living compares to life in Riley County, Kansas. Sign up to save your details and auto-load results next time.
MakeMyMove sources all Cost of Living Data from COLI, published by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), without any modification or bias.
COLI data is recognized by the U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, and CNN Money. The data and methodology are described in detail and completely transparent to users, found in the COLI Manual. Both data and methodology are reviewed by an Advisory Board composed of academic researchers and government officials. The Cost of Living Index is referenced in the Census Bureau's Statistical Abstract of the U.S.
According to the COLI Manual, composite differences of <4% and categorical differences of <5% are not statistically significant and should not be treated as necessarily accurate.
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Other Price Comparisons
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