Respiratory Therapist Salary in the United States
Based on 140K+ data points from BLS and H-1B filings
Median Annual Salary
$83,882
$40.33/hr
▲ 4.5% vs 2024Salary Range
$66K – $103K
10th – 90th percentile
Total Employed
140K
workers nationwide
The median Respiratory Therapist salary in the United States is $83,882 annually, which translates to approximately $40 per hour. With a typical salary range between $66,238 and $103,129, this vital healthcare profession offers a stable career path for many.
Several factors influence a Respiratory Therapist salary in the United States. Experience level is a significant driver, with more seasoned professionals generally earning higher wages. Location also plays a key role, as cost of living and demand can vary greatly by state and metropolitan area.
Salary Distribution — Respiratory Therapist
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $66,238 |
| 25th percentile | $74,184 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $83,882 |
| 75th percentile | $92,480 |
| 90th percentile | $103,129 |
Respiratory Therapist Salary by State
Top 10 Highest-Paying States for Respiratory Therapist
| # | State | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | $111,950 | +33.5% | 430 |
| 2 | New York | $107,810 | +28.5% | 7K |
| 3 | California | $104,820 | +25.0% | 19K |
| 4 | Massachusetts | $102,170 | +21.8% | 2K |
| 5 | Washington | $101,130 | +20.6% | 2K |
| 6 | New Jersey | $100,810 | +20.2% | 3K |
| 7 | Oregon | $100,560 | +19.9% | 1K |
| 8 | Minnesota | $98,710 | +17.7% | 1K |
| 9 | Alaska | $97,950 | +16.8% | 180 |
| 10 | New Hampshire | $95,940 | +14.4% | 360 |
Respiratory Therapist Salary by Industry
How much Respiratory Therapists earn across industries nationwide — Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services pays the most ($138,620 median). Ranked by median annual salary (2025 BLS OEWS data).
| # | Industry | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $138,620 | +65.3% | 50 |
| 2 | Educational Services | $97,360 | +16.1% | 800 |
| 3 | Health Care and Social Assistance | $82,630 | -1.5% | 129K |
| 4 | Management of Companies and Enterprises | $81,120 | -3.3% | 200 |
| 5 | Administrative and Support Services | $80,250 | -4.3% | 4K |
| 6 | Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $78,060 | -6.9% | 610 |
| 7 | Retail Trade | $72,780 | -13.2% | 1K |
| 8 | Wholesale Trade | $71,840 | -14.4% | 2K |
| 9 | Real Estate and Rental and Leasing | $70,540 | -15.9% | 2K |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures.
Historical Salary Trend — Respiratory Therapist
| Year | Median Salary (United States) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $70,362 |
| 2023 | $76,440 |
| 2024 | $80,241 |
| 2025 | $83,882 |
| 2026 (projected) | $87,688 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
Respiratory Therapist Salary by Experience Level
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $74,184 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $83,882 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $92,480 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $103,129 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Respiratory Therapist salary in the US?
- The median Respiratory Therapist salary in the United States is $83,882 per year. This equates to an hourly rate of roughly $40, with most professionals earning between $66,238 and $103,129 annually.
Which state pays Respiratory Therapists the most?
- The District of Columbia is the top-paying state for Respiratory Therapists, with an average salary of $111,950 per year. This figure is significantly higher than the national median of $83,882.
How much does a Respiratory Therapist make at the lower end of the salary scale?
- Respiratory Therapists at the lower end of the pay scale typically earn around $66,238 per year. This represents the bottom 25% of earners in the profession across the United States.
Is there high demand for Respiratory Therapists?
- Yes, there is considerable demand for Respiratory Therapists, with a total of 139,770 employed nationwide. This indicates a robust job market for individuals in this field, with a median salary of $83,882.