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Salary

How much does a Respiratory Therapist make?

The average salary for a Respiratory Therapist is $88,550 per year in the US.

Respiratory therapists play a key role in helping patients who have trouble breathing. They work in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings. They make a good salary for their important work. On average, respiratory therapists earn about $88,550 a year. This salary can vary depending on experience and location.

The earnings of respiratory therapists can change a lot. Some earn more based on where they work and how many years they have in the field. Here are some average salaries for different experience levels:

  • The first 10 percent earn about $57,490.
  • The next 10 percent make around $64,933.
  • The third 10 percent bring in about $72,375.
  • The fourth 10 percent earn roughly $79,818.
  • The fifth 10 percent make approximately $87,261.
  • The sixth 10 percent bring in about $94,704.
  • The seventh 10 percent earn around $102,146.
  • The eighth 10 percent make roughly $109,589.
  • The ninth 10 percent earn about $117,032.
  • The top 10 percent make around $124,475 or more.

These figures show that respiratory therapists can expect to see their salary grow as they gain experience. This makes the job not only rewarding but also financially beneficial.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Respiratory Therapist?

Respiratory therapists in Anchorage, AK, enjoy some of the highest salaries in the nation, averaging over $121,000. Other top earners include those in San Francisco, CA, where salaries reach nearly $117,000. Cities like Allentown, PA, and Santa Maria, CA, also provide competitive wages for respiratory therapists. If you consider cities with good salaries, places like Cedar Rapids, IA, and Oklahoma City, OK, offer close to $110,000. Hartford, CT, and Philadelphia, PA, offer more than $108,000. Worcester, MA, and Boston, MA, also provide attractive salaries, making them good choices for respiratory therapists looking to maximize their earnings.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Respiratory Therapist jobs, highlighting Anchorage, AK with the highest at $121,879 and Boston, MA with the lowest at $106,309.
  1. Anchorage, AK
    Average Salary: $121,879
    In Anchorage, professionals thrive in a supportive environment. Hospitals like Alaska Native Medical Center offer extensive resources. With a focus on patient care, you can make a real difference.
    Find Respiratory Therapist jobs in Anchorage, AK


  2. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $117,169
    San Francisco provides a dynamic setting for healthcare workers. Major employers such as UCSF Health offer cutting-edge technology. Working here, you can access a wide range of professional development opportunities.
    Find Respiratory Therapist jobs in San Francisco, CA


  3. Allentown, PA
    Average Salary: $113,543
    Allentown offers a community-focused work atmosphere. At St. Luke's University Health Network, teamwork and patient care are key. This area provides a balanced lifestyle with great benefits.
    Find Respiratory Therapist jobs in Allentown, PA


  4. Santa Maria, CA
    Average Salary: $111,261
    Santa Maria has a welcoming and close-knit community. Hospitals like French Hospital Medical Center support career growth. Enjoy the laid-back lifestyle while making an impact in healthcare.
    Find Respiratory Therapist jobs in Santa Maria, CA


  5. Cedar Rapids, IA
    Average Salary: $110,238
    Cedar Rapids offers a stable work environment with strong community ties. At St. Luke's Hospital, you'll find supportive colleagues. The area provides a good quality of life with access to outdoor activities.
    Find Respiratory Therapist jobs in Cedar Rapids, IA


  6. Oklahoma City, OK
    Average Salary: $109,874
    Oklahoma City is a growing city with many opportunities for healthcare workers. OU Medical Center and Integris Health are leading employers. You can enjoy a vibrant city life with a growing economy.
    Find Respiratory Therapist jobs in Oklahoma City, OK


  7. Hartford, CT
    Average Salary: $108,546
    Hartford provides a vibrant work atmosphere with a strong healthcare sector. Hospitals like Hartford Hospital offer excellent training programs. You can enjoy a rich cultural scene and a high quality of life.
    Find Respiratory Therapist jobs in Hartford, CT


  8. Philadelphia, PA
    Average Salary: $108,294
    Philadelphia offers a diverse and energetic environment. Major employers like Penn Medicine provide extensive training. The city's rich history and culture add to the professional experience.
    Find Respiratory Therapist jobs in Philadelphia, PA


  9. Worcester, MA
    Average Salary: $107,221
    Worcester has a supportive community and a strong healthcare network. Hospitals like UMass Memorial Health offer great career opportunities. Enjoy the area's historical charm and friendly residents.
    Find Respiratory Therapist jobs in Worcester, MA


  10. Boston, MA
    Average Salary: $106,309
    Boston provides a prestigious and fast-paced work environment. Top employers like Massachusetts General Hospital offer excellent resources. Working here means access to top-tier medical facilities and professional growth.
    Find Respiratory Therapist jobs in Boston, MA

What are the best companies a Respiratory Therapist can work for?

Respiratory Therapists can find great job opportunities with El Camino Health, Sentara, and AdventHealth Waterman, which offer top salaries. These companies value their employees, ensuring competitive pay. Fidelity On Call, Los Robles Hospital, and St. Stability HealthCare also provide solid compensation for this crucial healthcare role.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Respiratory Therapist jobs, highlighting El Camino Health with the highest at $145,495 and Fidelity On Call with the lowest at $124,333.
  1. El Camino Health
    Average Salary: $145,495
    El Camino Health offers a wide range of Respiratory Therapist positions. They have hospitals in Mountain View and Los Gatos, California. They provide top-notch care and opportunities for growth.


  2. Sentara
    Average Salary: $144,242
    Sentara Healthcare has multiple locations in Virginia and North Carolina. They provide excellent benefits and a supportive work environment for Respiratory Therapists.


  3. AdventHealth Waterman
    Average Salary: $140,983
    AdventHealth Waterman is located in Tavares, Florida. They offer competitive salaries and have a reputation for excellent patient care.


  4. Stability HealthCare
    Average Salary: $140,826
    Stability HealthCare offers many locations across the United States. They are known for their high pay and excellent benefits for Respiratory Therapists.


  5. Greenstaff Medical
    Average Salary: $137,933
    Greenstaff Medical provides Respiratory Therapist jobs with competitive salaries. They operate nationwide and offer a variety of job opportunities.


  6. The Custom Group of Companies
    Average Salary: $136,031
    The Custom Group of Companies offers Respiratory Therapist positions with good pay. They have multiple locations and focus on career development for their employees.


  7. NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital
    Average Salary: $132,848
    NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, with locations in New York City, offers top salaries for Respiratory Therapists. They provide advanced medical care and a supportive work environment.


  8. UC Davis Health
    Average Salary: $130,709
    UC Davis Health, located in Sacramento, California, provides excellent salaries for Respiratory Therapists. They offer a variety of job opportunities and a strong emphasis on patient care.


  9. Los Robles Hospital and Medical Center
    Average Salary: $127,450
    Los Robles Hospital and Medical Center in Thousand Oaks, California, offers competitive pay for Respiratory Therapists. They focus on providing high-quality healthcare services.


  10. Fidelity On Call
    Average Salary: $124,333
    Fidelity On Call offers Respiratory Therapist positions with good salaries. They have a nationwide presence and provide a variety of job opportunities.

How to earn more as a Respiratory Therapist?

Becoming a Respiratory Therapist offers many opportunities for career growth and increased earnings. To earn more in this profession, consider these key factors. A strong educational background and advanced certifications can help boost income. Specialized areas like neonatal or pediatric care often offer higher pay. Experience in a variety of settings can lead to better job opportunities and higher wages. Relocation to areas with higher demand for respiratory therapists can also mean better salaries. Networking with other professionals and staying updated with the latest technologies can open doors to higher-paying positions.

Pursuing further education and certifications can significantly increase a Respiratory Therapist's earning potential. Advanced degrees or credentials in critical care can lead to higher-paying jobs. Working in a specialty can also result in increased pay. For example, therapists who work in emergency rooms or intensive care units often earn more. Gaining experience in different environments, like hospitals, clinics, or home healthcare, can make a resume more attractive. This variety can lead to better job offers and higher salaries. Additionally, moving to regions with a higher demand for respiratory therapists can result in higher-paying positions. Engaging with professional organizations and attending conferences can also expand job prospects and income opportunities.

Currently 3,266 Respiratory Therapist job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Respiratory Therapist in the US?

Learn what a Respiratory Therapist does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Respiratory Therapist today.
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Respiratory Therapist
3,266 Job Openings