Certifications & licenses in Kansas
Compare requirements, salaries, and career paths for 28 professional credentials in KS. Data from BLS OEWS and primary state licensing sources.
What's different about Kansas
Licensing landscape in Kansas
As of July 1, 2020, the practical exams for cosmetology professions are administered in a written format rather than a hands-on demonstration.
Kansas Board of Cosmetology
Kansas is one of the few states with no statewide massage therapy licensure, but Senate Bill 305 in 2024 proposed creating a state board and a 625-hour education requirement.
Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals
As of July 1, 2025, House Bill 2039 allows EMS agencies in counties with 30,000 or fewer people to operate a ground ambulance with only one certified person, the driver only needing CPR certification.
Kansas Board of Emergency Medical Services
Effective December 1, 2025, all new applicants for Physical Therapist and Physical Therapist Assistant licensure must complete a fingerprint-based criminal background check at a cost of $57.00.
Kansas State Board of Healing Arts
Metro concentration of certified careers
Cost-of-living adjusted earnings in Kansas
With a cost of living nearly 10% below the national average, a $60,000 salary in Kansas has the approximate purchasing power of $66,000 in an average-cost state.
Regional comparison: Kansas vs. neighbors
| State | Median annual wage | vs KS |
|---|---|---|
| KS | $38,010 | — |
| NE | $40,000 | +5% vs KS |
| MO | $37,680 | -1% vs KS |
| OK | $35,930 | -5% vs KS |
| CO | $47,380 | +25% vs KS |
| State | Required training hours | vs KS |
|---|---|---|
| KS | No statewide requirement (cities regulate) | — |
| NE | 1,000 hours | +1000 hours |
| MO | 625 hours | +625 hours |
| OK | 500 hours | +500 hours |
| CO | 650 hours | +650 hours |
Sources (3)
Healthcare in Kansas
14 paths| Career | License | Median salary |
|---|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) | Required | $38,010 |
| Dental Assistant | No | — |
| EMT | Required | $35,780 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) | Required | $61,760 |
| Medical Assistant | No | $39,510 |
| Medical Coder | No | $48,160 |
| Paramedic | Required | $51,020 |
| Pharmacy Technician | Required | $43,310 |
| Phlebotomist | No | $39,100 |
| Radiology Technologist | Required | $76,070 |
| Registered Nurse (RN) | Required | $79,320 |
| Respiratory Therapist | Required | $76,970 |
| Surgical Technologist | No | $60,600 |
| Dental Hygienist | Required | — |
Skilled Trades in Kansas
5 paths| Career | License | Median salary |
|---|---|---|
| CDL Truck Driver | Required | $58,920 |
| Electrician | No | $65,860 |
| HVAC Technician | No | $60,460 |
| Plumber | No | $65,220 |
| Welder | No | $49,410 |
Personal Care & Wellness in Kansas
4 paths| Career | License | Median salary |
|---|---|---|
| Personal Trainer | No | $35,900 |
| Barber | Required | — |
| Cosmetologist | Required | $29,710 |
| Massage Therapist | No | $49,990 |
Professional & Business in Kansas
5 paths| Career | License | Median salary |
|---|---|---|
| CPA (Certified Public Accountant) | Required | $79,000 |
| Notary Public | Required | — |
| Paralegal | No | $55,000 |
| Insurance Agent | Required | $60,370 |
| Real Estate Agent | Required | $39,770 |