Respiratory Therapist Salary in Topeka, KS: $58,548 (2026)

Respiratory Therapist Pay in Topeka: What to Expect (2026)

Topeka offers a median respiratory therapist salary of $58,548, which is $2,822 below the Kansas state average of $61,370. Compared to the national median of $70,540, Topeka pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Topeka's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 83% of the national average. This means the $58,548 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $70,540 in an average-cost city. This makes Topeka an attractive option for respiratory therapists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for respiratory therapists in Topeka spans from $39,840 at the 10th percentile to $82,170 at the 90th percentile — a $42,330 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $41,500, while senior respiratory therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $78,850. With a population of 127,473, Topeka is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Topeka by Experience

In Topeka, an entry-level respiratory therapist earns around $41,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $78,850 per year. The local cost of living index is 83% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$41,500

$-8,500 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$59,760

$-12,240 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$78,850

$-16,150 vs national

Percentile	Topeka	KS State	National
10th Percentile	$39,840	$41,760	$48,000
25th Percentile	$47,310	$49,590	$57,000
Median (50th)	$58,548	$61,370	$70,540
75th Percentile	$71,380	$74,820	$86,000
90th Percentile	$82,170	$86,130	$99,000

Percentile

Topeka

10th Percentile

$39,840

25th Percentile

$47,310

Median (50th)

$58,548

75th Percentile

$71,380

90th Percentile

$82,170

How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Topeka

Education

Most respiratory therapist positions require a associate's degree. Topeka 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 Topeka may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Respiratory Therapist Salary in Topeka

How much does a Respiratory Therapist make in Topeka, KS? ▼

The median respiratory therapist salary in Topeka, Kansas is $58,548 per year, which is 17% below the national median of $70,540. Salaries range from $39,840 (10th percentile) to $82,170 (90th percentile).

How much does a Respiratory Therapist make per hour in Topeka? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $58,548, a respiratory therapist in Topeka earns approximately $28 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Topeka compare to the Kansas state average for respiratory therapist pay? ▼

Topeka's median respiratory therapist salary of $58,548 is 4.6% below the Kansas state average of $61,370. The local cost of living index is 83% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Topeka, KS? ▼

Topeka has a cost of living index of 83% compared to the national average. This means a respiratory therapist salary of $58,548 in Topeka has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a respiratory therapist in Topeka? ▼

Most respiratory therapist positions in Topeka 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.

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Topeka, Kansas