Healthcare Kansas City, KS Pop. 156,607

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Kansas City, Kansas

The median respiratory therapist salary in Kansas City, KS is $62,075 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 1.1% above the Kansas state average.

City Median
$62,075
vs State Avg
+$705
vs National
$-8,465
Cost of Living
88%

Respiratory Therapist Pay in Kansas City: What to Expect (2026)

Kansas City offers a median respiratory therapist salary of $62,075, which is $705 above the Kansas state average of $61,370. Compared to the national median of $70,540, Kansas City pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Kansas City's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $62,075 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $70,540 in an average-cost city. This makes Kansas City an attractive option for respiratory therapists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for respiratory therapists in Kansas City spans from $42,240 at the 10th percentile to $87,120 at the 90th percentile — a $44,880 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $44,000, while senior respiratory therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $83,600. With a population of 156,607, Kansas City is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Kansas City by Experience

In Kansas City, an entry-level respiratory therapist earns around $44,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $83,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$44,000
$-6,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$63,360
$-8,640 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$83,600
$-11,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Kansas City, KS

Percentile Kansas City
10th Percentile $42,240
25th Percentile $50,160
Median (50th) $62,075
75th Percentile $75,680
90th Percentile $87,120

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Other Kansas Cities

How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Kansas City

Education

Most respiratory therapist positions require a associate's degree. Kansas City and the surrounding Kansas area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Ventilator ManagementPulmonary Function TestingABG AnalysisOxygen TherapyCritical CarePatient Assessment

Job Outlook

Nationally, respiratory therapist employment is projected to grow 14% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Kansas City may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Respiratory Therapist Jobs in Kansas City

Browse open respiratory therapist positions in Kansas City, KS:

Frequently Asked Questions: Respiratory Therapist Salary in Kansas City

How much does a Respiratory Therapist make in Kansas City, KS? ▼
The median respiratory therapist salary in Kansas City, Kansas is $62,075 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $70,540. Salaries range from $42,240 (10th percentile) to $87,120 (90th percentile).
How much does a Respiratory Therapist make per hour in Kansas City? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $62,075, a respiratory therapist in Kansas City earns approximately $30 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Kansas City compare to the Kansas state average for respiratory therapist pay? ▼
Kansas City's median respiratory therapist salary of $62,075 is 1.1% above the Kansas state average of $61,370. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Kansas City, KS? ▼
Kansas City has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a respiratory therapist salary of $62,075 in Kansas City has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a respiratory therapist in Kansas City? ▼
Most respiratory therapist positions in Kansas City require a associate's degree. Key skills include Ventilator Management, Pulmonary Function Testing, ABG Analysis, Oxygen Therapy. The job market is projected to grow 14% nationally over the next decade.