Respiratory Therapist Salary in 2026
Respiratory therapists care for patients with breathing difficulties, managing ventilators, administering treatments, and conducting diagnostic tests. They treat conditions like asthma and COPD.
Median Salary
$66,000
$5,500/mo
Entry Level
$49,000
starting pay
Senior Level
$77,000
experienced
Job Growth
+14%
10-yr outlook
Respiratory Therapist Overview
Respiratory therapists care for patients with breathing difficulties, managing ventilators, administering treatments, and conducting diagnostic tests. They treat conditions like asthma and COPD.
Education
Associate's Degree
Experience
0-2 years
Industry
Healthcare
Total Jobs (US)
135K
5-Year Growth
+12%
Category
Healthcare
Hourly Rate
$31.73/hr
Monthly Pay
$5,500
Respiratory Therapist Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Respiratory Therapist salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Respiratory Therapist Salary
$67,000
$5,583/month · $2,577/biweekly · $32.21/hr
Respiratory Therapist Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Respiratory Therapist field.
Entry-level Respiratory Therapists earn around $49,000, while the top 10% earn $87,000 or more.
Top Paying States for Respiratory Therapists
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $78,000 | +$12,000 |
| New York | $76,000 | +$10,000 |
| Texas | $65,000 | $-1,000 |
| Florida | $65,000 | $-1,000 |
| Ohio | $63,000 | $-3,000 |
Top Paying Cities for Respiratory Therapists
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $78,000 | +$12,000 |
| Los Angeles | $74,000 | +$8,000 |
| Miami | $67,000 | +$1,000 |
| Houston | $65,000 | $-1,000 |
| Cleveland | $61,000 | $-5,000 |
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Respiratory Therapist Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Respiratory Therapist from entry level to expert.
$49,000
0-2 years
$63,000
3-7 years
$77,000
8-14 years
$97,000
15+ years
Related Healthcare Jobs
Respiratory Therapist Salary FAQ
Explore More Job Salaries
Compare salary data for hundreds of jobs across all industries. Find out what you should be earning.