Respiratory Therapist Salary Guide
Respiratory Therapists assess, treat, and manage patients with breathing or cardiopulmonary disorders. They perform diagnostic tests, administer therapies (oxygen, ventilator management, airway care), educate patients and families, and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams in hospitals, clinics, and home-care settings.
What is the average Respiratory Therapist salary?
Entry Level
$45,000 - $55,000
Mid Level
$55,000 - $75,000
Senior Level
$75,000 - $95,000
How does Respiratory Therapist salary grow with experience?
Respiratory Therapist salary by location
What factors affect a Respiratory Therapist's salary?
- Geographic location and local cost of living
- Level of experience and years in critical care settings
- Advanced certifications or specialized skills (neonatal, ECMO, critical care transport)
- Employer type (teaching hospital, outpatient clinic, home health, private practice)
- Shift differentials, overtime availability, and leadership roles
Frequently Asked Questions About Respiratory Therapist Salaries
What is the average salary for a Respiratory Therapist in the U.S.?
The national average for Respiratory Therapists in the U.S. typically ranges from about $55,000 to $75,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and employer.
How does experience affect Respiratory Therapist pay?
Entry-level RTs generally earn around $45k–$55k; mid-career RTs earn $55k–$75k; and senior or specialized RTs often make $75k–$95k or more, with extremes for leadership or high-cost areas.
Which locations pay Respiratory Therapists the most?
Large metropolitan and high-cost areas like New York City, Los Angeles, Seattle, and parts of California and Texas often offer higher pay, sometimes 10–25% above the national average.
Do certifications or specializations increase RT salaries?
Yes. Advanced certifications (e.g., neonatal/pediatric, critical care, polysomnography) and supervisory or transport specialties typically result in higher pay and better shift differentials.
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