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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.

25th Percentile$55,800
$56K
Median (50th)$66,000
$66K
75th Percentile$71,500
$72K
90th Percentile$87,000
$87K
Top Earners$97,000
$97K

Entry-level Respiratory Therapists earn around $49,000, while the top 10% earn $87,000 or more.

Top Paying States for Respiratory Therapists

StateEst. Median Salaryvs 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

CityEst. Median Salaryvs 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

Ventilator ManagementArterial Blood GasPulmonary Function TestingCPROxygen Therapy

Certifications

RRTCRTNPS

Respiratory Therapist Career Progression

Typical salary growth path for a Respiratory Therapist from entry level to expert.

Entry Level

$49,000

0-2 years

Mid Career

$63,000

3-7 years

Senior

$77,000

8-14 years

Lead / Expert

$97,000

15+ years

EntryExpert

Respiratory Therapist Salary FAQ

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