Newman University highlights Kansas respiratory therapist salaries at $71,000 median, positioning them mid-to-upper tier among allied health professions. Data from Bureau of Labor Statistics May 2026 release informs prospective students evaluating respiratory care programs.
-- Respiratory therapists in Kansas earn a median annual wage of $71,000, positioning them in the mid-to-upper tier of allied health professions across the state, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data released in May 2026. This median places practitioners above radiologic technologists and many technician-level roles while trailing physical therapists, occupational therapists, and radiation therapists. Prospective students evaluating career pathways in allied health can use this salary comparison as a benchmark when considering programs such as Newman University's respiratory care program in Wichita.
More information is available at https://newmanu.edu/academics/respiratory-care-wichita
Within the Kansas allied health landscape, respiratory therapists occupy a competitive salary band that reflects both educational requirements and clinical demand. Physical therapists command a median annual wage near $96,200, while occupational therapists earn approximately $83,500, both requiring doctoral or master's degrees that extend training timelines and costs. Radiation therapists, though fewer in number statewide, typically earn around $91,970. By contrast, radiologic technologists in Kansas earn a median of roughly $61,000, and registered nurses earn approximately $61,790, making respiratory therapy a middle-ground option for students seeking solid pay without the extended education barriers of doctorate-level professions.
Kansas salaries for respiratory therapists run approximately 10 to 15 percent below the national median of around $80,450, yet the state's lower cost of living-roughly 10 percent under the U.S. average-improves real purchasing power for practitioners. Housing, transportation, and everyday expenses in Kansas metros such as Wichita and Topeka remain more affordable than in coastal or high-density markets. A $71,000 salary stretches further than equivalent nominal pay in higher-cost regions, making Kansas an attractive location for respiratory care professionals balancing income with quality of life.
Newman University offers a Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Care program in Wichita, providing a direct educational pathway for students interested in entering this field. The program aligns with a national job outlook projecting 12 percent growth for respiratory therapists between 2024 and 2034, driven by an aging population and rising prevalence of chronic respiratory conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Students completing the program gain eligibility for certification exams and entry into a workforce with steady demand across hospital intensive care units, emergency departments, and outpatient clinics.
Within the Wichita metro area, respiratory therapists earn an average annual salary of approximately $87,776, reflecting the city's lower cost of living compared to Kansas City. Major employers in Wichita include Ascension Via Christi and Wesley Medical Center, both of which maintain respiratory care departments serving acute and chronic patient populations. While the Kansas City metro area reports a median of approximately $79,500 for entry-level respiratory therapists, Wichita's more affordable housing and living expenses narrow the real-income gap, offering new graduates and experienced practitioners a viable market with manageable entry costs and stable employment opportunities.
Respiratory therapy represents a practical career choice for Kansas students seeking competitive allied health pay without the extended education timelines required for physical or occupational therapy. The profession offers earnings above radiologic technologists and registered nurses, with entry typically requiring an associate or bachelor's degree plus certification rather than a doctoral program. Combined with solid national job growth projections and steady demand in hospital and outpatient settings, respiratory care provides a respectable mid-tier option for prospective students evaluating Newman University's program and similar pathways across the state.
For more details, visit https://newmanu.edu/
Contact Info:
Name: Clark Schafer
Email: Send Email
Organization: Newman University
Address: 3100 McCormick , Wichita, Kansas 67213, United States
Website: https://newmanu.edu/
Source: PressCable
Release ID: 89198036
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