Respiratory Therapist Salary in Kansas
Based on 1K+ workers in Kansas
Median Annual Salary (KS)
$76,970
$37.00/hr
vs National Average
$83,882
-8.2% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$60K – $95K
1K employed in Kansas
Respiratory Therapist salary in Kansas averages $76,970 per year, with approximately 1,450 workers employed in the state. This median falls about 8% below the national average, reflecting regional economic differences. Entry-level positions start around $60,470 annually, while experienced therapists can earn up to $94,600, demonstrating significant earning potential in this healthcare field.
Several factors influence Respiratory Therapist compensation across Kansas, including years of experience, certifications, and employer type. Hospitals typically offer different pay scales than outpatient clinics or home health agencies. Geographic location within the state, educational background, and specializations in areas like critical care or neonatal therapy can also impact earning potential. Understanding these variables helps job seekers and current professionals evaluate their compensation.
Salary Distribution — Respiratory Therapist in Kansas
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $60,470 |
| 25th percentile | $64,680 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $76,970 |
| 75th percentile | $81,240 |
| 90th percentile | $94,600 |
Top-Paying Industries for Respiratory Therapist (U.S.)
Which industries pay Respiratory Therapists the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Respiratory Therapists in Kansas tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $138,620 | 50 |
| Educational Services | $97,360 | 800 |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $82,630 | 129K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $81,120 | 200 |
| Administrative and Support Services | $80,250 | 4K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Respiratory Therapist in Kansas vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Kansas) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $64,800 |
| 2023 | $69,420 |
| 2024 | $73,580 |
| 2025 | $76,970 |
| 2026 (projected) | $80,516 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Kansas Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $64,800 | $70,362 |
| 2023 | $69,420 | $76,440 |
| 2024 | $73,580 | $80,241 |
| 2025 | $76,970 | $83,882 |
| 2026 (projected) | $80,516 | $87,747 |
Respiratory Therapist Salary by Experience Level in Kansas
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $64,680 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $76,970 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $81,240 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $94,600 |
Respiratory Therapist Salary in Other States
Related Respiratory Therapist Salaries in Kansas
How other high-demand occupations in Kansas compare to Respiratory Therapist ($76,970 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Respiratory Therapist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anesthesiologist in KS | $437,030 | +467.8% | $210.11/hr |
| Psychiatrist in KS | $278,100 | +261.3% | $133.70/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in KS | $229,390 | +198.0% | $110.28/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in KS | $220,770 | +186.8% | $106.14/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in KS | $212,090 | +175.5% | $101.97/hr |
| Pediatrician in KS | $209,840 | +172.6% | $100.88/hr |
| Radiologist in KS | $179,990 | +133.8% | $86.53/hr |
| Optometrist in KS | $138,580 | +80.0% | $66.63/hr |
| Pharmacist in KS | $137,800 | +79.0% | $66.25/hr |
| Nurse Practitioner in KS | $126,650 | +64.5% | $60.89/hr |
| Physician Assistant in KS | $125,640 | +63.2% | $60.40/hr |
| Medical and Health Services Manager in KS | $111,030 | +44.3% | $53.38/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do respiratory therapists make in Kansas?
- The median salary for respiratory therapists in Kansas is $76,970 per year, or $37 per hour. This is approximately 8.2% below the national average for this profession.
What is the salary range for respiratory therapists in Kansas?
- Respiratory therapist salaries in Kansas range from $60,470 at the lower end to $94,600 at the higher end, depending on experience and employer.
How many respiratory therapists are employed in Kansas?
- There are currently 1,450 respiratory therapists employed in Kansas, representing the total workforce in this state for this profession.
Is the respiratory therapist salary in Kansas competitive compared to the national average?
- Kansas respiratory therapists earn 8.2% less than the national average, with a median of $76,970 annually compared to the national median, indicating slightly below-average compensation for this profession in the state.