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How much does a Respiratory Therapist make?

The average salary for a Respiratory Therapist is $88,404 per year in the US.

Respiratory therapists play a key role in healthcare, helping patients with breathing issues. This rewarding job comes with a competitive salary. The average yearly salary for a respiratory therapist is $88,404. This means most respiratory therapists earn between $65,000 and $140,000 each year.

The salary of a respiratory therapist can vary based on experience and location. Newer therapists often start on the lower end of the scale. As therapists gain experience, they can move up to higher pay. Some therapists choose to specialize, which can also lead to higher salaries. Respiratory therapists who work in cities or areas with a high cost of living may earn more than those in rural areas.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Respiratory Therapist?

Job seekers looking for Respiratory Therapist roles can find high-paying opportunities in several cities. San Francisco, California, leads with the highest average salary at over $125,000. Anchorage, Alaska, and Allentown, Pennsylvania, also offer competitive salaries, topping $120,000. Other notable cities include Santa Maria, California, and Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where average salaries reach nearly $113,000. Worcester, Massachusetts, and Hartford, Connecticut, continue to provide attractive compensation packages. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Boston, Massachusetts, offer solid salaries as well. Exploring these cities can help job seekers find rewarding and well-paying positions.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Respiratory Therapist jobs, highlighting San Francisco, CA with the highest at $125,609 and Boston, MA with the lowest at $105,594.
  1. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $125,609
    In San Francisco, working in respiratory care offers a rewarding experience. Hospitals like UCSF Medical Center provide top-notch facilities. The city's diverse population ensures a range of cases and experiences.
    Find Respiratory Therapist jobs in San Francisco, CA


  2. Anchorage, AK
    Average Salary: $121,150
    Anchorage offers a unique setting for respiratory care professionals. The challenging environment caters to a variety of medical needs. Working with prominent facilities like Providence Alaska Medical Center can be fulfilling.
    Find Respiratory Therapist jobs in Anchorage, AK


  3. Allentown, PA
    Average Salary: $120,834
    Allentown presents a stable environment for respiratory care. Lehigh Valley Health Network is a key employer. The city’s smaller size means close community interactions.
    Find Respiratory Therapist jobs in Allentown, PA


  4. Santa Maria, CA
    Average Salary: $113,777
    Santa Maria offers a quieter lifestyle for respiratory therapists. Working at local hospitals like French Hospital Medical Center provides a balanced work-life environment. The city's warm climate is a big plus.
    Find Respiratory Therapist jobs in Santa Maria, CA


  5. Cedar Rapids, IA
    Average Salary: $112,974
    In Cedar Rapids, respiratory therapists benefit from a supportive community. Organizations like St. Luke's Hospital provide great opportunities. The city's affordability enhances quality of life.
    Find Respiratory Therapist jobs in Cedar Rapids, IA


  6. Worcester, MA
    Average Salary: $111,403
    Worcester provides a rich environment for respiratory care. UMass Memorial Medical Center is a leading employer. The city's historic charm adds to the overall experience.
    Find Respiratory Therapist jobs in Worcester, MA


  7. Hartford, CT
    Average Salary: $111,317
    Hartford offers a dynamic setting for respiratory therapists. Working with institutions like Hartford Hospital brings diverse challenges. The city’s rich history and cultural events enrich professional life.
    Find Respiratory Therapist jobs in Hartford, CT


  8. Oklahoma City, OK
    Average Salary: $110,534
    Oklahoma City provides a vibrant atmosphere for respiratory care. SSM Health offers excellent employment opportunities. The city's growing economy creates a positive work environment.
    Find Respiratory Therapist jobs in Oklahoma City, OK


  9. Philadelphia, PA
    Average Salary: $106,607
    Philadelphia offers a bustling environment for respiratory professionals. Hospitals like Penn Medicine provide top opportunities. The city’s lively culture adds to the professional experience.
    Find Respiratory Therapist jobs in Philadelphia, PA


  10. Boston, MA
    Average Salary: $105,594
    Boston presents an exciting opportunity for respiratory therapists. Partners HealthCare offers great positions. The city's academic and medical institutions provide a stimulating environment.
    Find Respiratory Therapist jobs in Boston, MA

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

Staff Today stands out as the best paying company for Respiratory Therapist jobs, offering an average salary of $183,333. El Camino Health and Stability Healthcare follow closely, providing average salaries of $151,239 and $144,604, respectively. These companies show a strong commitment to rewarding their respiratory therapists with competitive compensation packages.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Respiratory Therapist jobs, highlighting Staff Today with the highest at $183,333 and Lamb Company, Inc with the lowest at $133,603.
  1. Staff Today
    Average Salary: $183,333
    Staff Today offers competitive salaries for Respiratory Therapists. They work with different hospitals and clinics across the United States. With many job openings, Respiratory Therapists can find positions that fit their skills and career goals.


  2. El Camino Health
    Average Salary: $151,239
    El Camino Health provides excellent job opportunities for Respiratory Therapists. Located in California, they have many facilities where Respiratory Therapists can work. Their programs focus on patient care and professional development.


  3. Stability Healthcare
    Average Salary: $144,604
    Stability Healthcare offers rewarding positions for Respiratory Therapists. They have jobs available in multiple states. Respiratory Therapists here enjoy good salaries and the chance to work in various healthcare settings.


  4. E-Solutions
    Average Salary: $140,483
    E-Solutions provides job opportunities for Respiratory Therapists. They work with many healthcare facilities in the United States. Respiratory Therapists here get good pay and the chance to work in different locations.


  5. The Custom Group of Companies
    Average Salary: $139,286
    The Custom Group of Companies offers jobs for Respiratory Therapists with good pay. They have positions across the country. Respiratory Therapists can find roles that match their experience and career aspirations.


  6. Greenstaff Medical USA
    Average Salary: $138,017
    Greenstaff Medical USA provides jobs for Respiratory Therapists. They work with healthcare facilities nationwide. Respiratory Therapists here enjoy good salaries and many job opportunities.


  7. NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital
    Average Salary: $137,580
    NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital offers high-paying jobs for Respiratory Therapists. Located in New York, they have top-notch facilities. Respiratory Therapists here can expect good salaries and excellent working conditions.


  8. Sentra
    Average Salary: $137,260
    Sentra provides job opportunities for Respiratory Therapists with competitive salaries. They have many positions across the country. Respiratory Therapists can find roles that fit their skills and experience.


  9. Kaiser Permanente
    Average Salary: $133,929
    Kaiser Permanente offers rewarding positions for Respiratory Therapists. They have facilities in several states. Respiratory Therapists here can expect good pay and the chance to work in a respected healthcare system.


  10. Lamb Company, Inc
    Average Salary: $133,603
    Lamb Company, Inc provides job opportunities for Respiratory Therapists. They have positions across the United States. Respiratory Therapists can find roles that match their skills and career goals.

How to earn more as a Respiratory Therapist?

Respiratory therapists can increase their earnings through various avenues that enhance their skills and marketability. Gaining more experience in specialized areas such as neonatal, pediatric, or critical care can lead to higher salary opportunities. These specialized roles often require additional training and certifications, but they come with greater responsibilities and, consequently, better compensation.

Continuous education and certification also play a crucial role in earning potential. Obtaining credentials such as the Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) or Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) can set therapists apart from their peers. These certifications demonstrate a commitment to the profession and can open doors to higher-paying positions. Staying updated with the latest advancements in respiratory care through continuing education courses and workshops further boosts a therapist's value in the job market.

Consider these factors to enhance earnings:

  1. Specialize in high-demand areas.
  2. Obtain advanced certifications.
  3. Pursue continuous education.
  4. Seek leadership roles.
  5. Explore higher-paying locations.

Currently 3,464 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.
Position
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Respiratory Therapist
3,464 Job Openings