How much does a Respiratory Therapist make?
Respiratory therapists play a vital role in healthcare, helping patients with breathing difficulties. They work in hospitals, clinics, and other medical settings. The average yearly salary for a respiratory therapist is around $85,844. This is a good income for many people.
The salary for respiratory therapists can vary based on experience and location. Those with more experience often earn more. Therapists in larger cities or areas with a higher cost of living may also see higher salaries. Here are some average salaries for different experience levels:
- Entry-level: $53,000
- Early career: $60,455
- Mid-career: $67,909
- Experienced: $75,364
- Late career: $82,818
- Early post-career: $90,273
- Mid post-career: $97,727
- Late post-career: $105,182
- Very late post-career: $112,636
- Peak career: $120,091
- Final career: $127,545
- End of career: $135,000
What are the highest paying cities for a Respiratory Therapist?
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Anchorage, AK
Average Salary: $117,694
In Anchorage, professionals find rewarding work in healthcare. With top facilities like Alaska Native Medical Center, opportunities abound. The city's remote location offers a unique work environment.
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Boston, MA
Average Salary: $112,723
Boston offers a dynamic healthcare scene. Major hospitals like Massachusetts General Hospital provide excellent career growth. The city's rich history adds to its vibrant atmosphere.
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Cedar Rapids, IA
Average Salary: $111,415
Cedar Rapids provides a stable job market for healthcare workers. St. Luke's Hospital is a leading employer. The community's friendly nature makes it a great place to live and work.
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Hartford, CT
Average Salary: $110,346
Hartford is a hub for healthcare professionals. Institutions like Hartford Hospital offer many opportunities. The city's central location makes commuting easy.
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Santa Maria, CA
Average Salary: $109,596
Santa Maria offers a relaxed lifestyle with good job prospects. Marian Regional Medical Center is a key employer. The city's beautiful beaches are a big draw.
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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $107,736
San Francisco's healthcare sector is thriving. UCSF Medical Center provides top-notch opportunities. The city's tech-savvy environment adds to its appeal.
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Allentown, PA
Average Salary: $106,150
Allentown has a strong healthcare community. St. Luke's University Health Network is a major employer. The city's affordable cost of living is a big plus.
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Philadelphia, PA
Average Salary: $105,415
Philadelphia offers diverse healthcare opportunities. Hospitals like Penn Medicine provide excellent career paths. The city's rich culture adds to its vibrant work environment.
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Worcester, MA
Average Salary: $104,369
Worcester is a great place for healthcare workers. UMass Memorial Health is a leading employer. The city's historic charm makes it a pleasant place to live.
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Springfield, MA
Average Salary: $99,148
Springfield provides many opportunities in healthcare. Baystate Medical Center is a key employer. The city's affordable living costs are a big advantage.
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What are the best companies a Respiratory Therapist can work for?
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FlexStaff
Average Salary: $146,156
FlexStaff offers Respiratory Therapist jobs with competitive pay. They have openings in various locations, including New York, California, and Texas. Their roles focus on providing critical care in hospitals and clinics.
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Sentara
Average Salary: $143,158
Sentara provides Respiratory Therapist jobs with a strong focus on patient care. They operate in Virginia and North Carolina. Sentara values teamwork and professional growth for their therapists.
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El Camino Health
Average Salary: $135,642
El Camino Health offers Respiratory Therapist jobs with a focus on quality care. They are located in the San Francisco Bay Area. Their positions emphasize collaboration and continuous learning.
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Greenstaff Medical
Average Salary: $129,527
Greenstaff Medical provides Respiratory Therapist jobs with good pay. They have openings in multiple states, including Florida and Illinois. Their roles involve working in hospitals and outpatient clinics.
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Stability HealthCare
Average Salary: $128,677
Stability HealthCare offers Respiratory Therapist jobs with competitive salaries. They operate in states like Ohio and Pennsylvania. Their positions focus on delivering high-quality care to patients.
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Advantage Staffing Services
Average Salary: $126,967
Advantage Staffing Services provides Respiratory Therapist jobs with good compensation. They have openings in various locations, including Arizona and Michigan. Their roles emphasize patient care and professional development.
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NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital
Average Salary: $125,664
NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital offers Respiratory Therapist jobs with a strong focus on patient care. They are located in New York City. Their positions involve working in a top-tier medical facility.
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GHR Healthcare
Average Salary: $125,218
GHR Healthcare provides Respiratory Therapist jobs with competitive pay. They have openings in states like Georgia and South Carolina. Their roles focus on providing excellent care in various healthcare settings.
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UC Davis Health
Average Salary: $124,481
UC Davis Health offers Respiratory Therapist jobs with a focus on innovation. They are located in California. Their positions involve working in a leading academic medical center.
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Winston Resources
Average Salary: $124,042
Winston Resources provides Respiratory Therapist jobs with good pay. They have openings in states like New Jersey and Maryland. Their roles emphasize patient care and professional growth.
How to earn more as a Respiratory Therapist?
Respiratory Therapists play a crucial role in healthcare. They help patients with breathing problems. If you want to earn more in this field, consider these key factors. They can help you advance your career and increase your salary.
First, gaining more experience can lead to higher pay. Hospitals and clinics often offer higher salaries to therapists with more years of experience. Working in different areas of respiratory care can also open up higher-paying opportunities. Specialization in areas like neonatal care or pulmonary rehabilitation can make you more valuable. Another way to increase your earnings is by getting certified in advanced areas. Certifications in areas like sleep disorders or critical care can lead to higher-paying jobs. Continuing education is important. It keeps your skills up-to-date and can lead to better job offers. Finally, consider working in a higher-paying location. Salaries can vary greatly by region. Urban areas or regions with a shortage of therapists often offer higher wages.
By focusing on these factors, Respiratory Therapists can improve their earning potential. More experience, advanced certifications, and choosing the right location can all lead to higher salaries. These steps can help you achieve your career goals and financial stability.
Here are some key factors to consider:
- Gain more experience in the field.
- Get certified in advanced areas of respiratory care.
- Continue your education to stay current with new skills.
- Consider working in a higher-paying location.
- Specialize in high-demand areas like neonatal or pulmonary care.
