Healthcare Kansas (KS) Rank #45 of 50

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Kansas

The median respiratory therapist salary in Kansas is $61,370 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $70,540.

Median Salary
$61,370
vs National
$-9,170
State Rank
#45 of 50
Cost of Living
87%

Respiratory Therapist Salary Overview in Kansas (2026)

Kansas ranks #45 out of 50 states for respiratory therapist compensation. Respiratory Therapist salaries in Kansas are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $61,370 per year, respiratory therapists in Kansas earn $9,170 less than the national median of $70,540.

A key advantage of working in Kansas is its below-average cost of living (87% of the national index). This means the $61,370 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $70,540 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Kansas is significant: respiratory therapists at the 10th percentile earn $41,760, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $86,130 — a $44,370 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Kansas for this role is Overland Park, where the median reaches $67,718.

Nationally, respiratory therapist employment is projected to grow 14% over the next decade (much faster than average). This strong growth suggests increasing demand and competitive salaries in Kansas and beyond.

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Kansas by Experience

In Kansas, an entry-level respiratory therapist earns around $43,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $82,650 per year. The cost of living index in Kansas is 87% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$43,500
$-6,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$62,640
$-9,360 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$82,650
$-12,350 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Kansas

Percentile KS Salary
10th Percentile $41,760
25th Percentile $49,590
Median (50th) $61,370
75th Percentile $74,820
90th Percentile $86,130

Respiratory Therapist Salary by City in Kansas

The largest employment areas for respiratory therapists in Kansas include Wichita, Overland Park, Kansas City, and Topeka. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Kansas

Education

Most respiratory therapist positions require a associate's degree. Kansas has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Ventilator ManagementPulmonary Function TestingABG AnalysisOxygen TherapyCritical CarePatient Assessment

Job Outlook in Kansas

Nationally, respiratory therapist employment is projected to grow 14% over the next decade (much faster than average). Kansas's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Respiratory Therapist Salary in Kansas

How much does a Respiratory Therapist make in Kansas? ▼
The median respiratory therapist salary in Kansas is $61,370 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $70,540. Salaries range from $41,760 (10th percentile) to $86,130 (90th percentile).
How much does a Respiratory Therapist make per hour in Kansas? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $61,370, a respiratory therapist in Kansas earns approximately $30 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Kansas a good state for respiratory therapists? ▼
Kansas ranks #45 out of 50 states for respiratory therapist pay. The cost of living index is 87% of the national average. Entry-level respiratory therapists earn $43,500, while senior professionals earn $82,650.
How does Kansas compare to other states for respiratory therapist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for respiratory therapists is Hawaii at $125,561. Kansas's median of $61,370 ranks #45 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include South Dakota ($62,075) and Alabama ($61,370).
What is the entry-level respiratory therapist salary in Kansas? ▼
An entry-level respiratory therapist in Kansas earns approximately $43,500 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $62,640. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $82,650.
What city in Kansas pays respiratory therapists the most? ▼
Overland Park is the highest paying city in Kansas for respiratory therapists, with a median salary of $67,718. Other cities include Wichita and Kansas City.