Respiratory Therapist Salary in Alabama
Based on 2K+ workers in Alabama
Median Annual Salary (AL)
$66,150
$31.80/hr
vs National Average
$83,882
-21.1% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$50K – $81K
2K employed in Alabama
Respiratory Therapist salary in Alabama averages $64,010 annually, according to current labor data. With approximately 2,250 respiratory therapists employed throughout the state, this represents a significant healthcare workforce. However, Alabama's median salary falls about 20% below the national average, reflecting regional economic differences and cost-of-living variations.
Several factors influence respiratory therapist compensation in Alabama, including work setting, experience level, and specialized certifications. Healthcare facility type—whether hospital, clinic, or home health—can meaningfully impact earnings potential. Geographic location within the state, employer size, and additional credentials in areas like critical care or neonatal care also play important roles in determining individual salaries within the $48,490 to $82,920 range.
Salary Distribution — Respiratory Therapist in Alabama
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $50,250 |
| 25th percentile | $57,480 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $66,150 |
| 75th percentile | $76,920 |
| 90th percentile | $81,030 |
Top-Paying Industries for Respiratory Therapist (U.S.)
Which industries pay Respiratory Therapists the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Respiratory Therapists in Alabama tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $138,620 | 50 |
| Educational Services | $97,360 | 800 |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $82,630 | 129K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $81,120 | 200 |
| Administrative and Support Services | $80,250 | 4K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Respiratory Therapist in Alabama vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Alabama) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $57,420 |
| 2023 | $61,340 |
| 2024 | $64,010 |
| 2025 | $66,150 |
| 2026 (projected) | $68,362 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Alabama Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $57,420 | $70,362 |
| 2023 | $61,340 | $76,440 |
| 2024 | $64,010 | $80,241 |
| 2025 | $66,150 | $83,882 |
| 2026 (projected) | $68,362 | $86,686 |
Respiratory Therapist Salary by Experience Level in Alabama
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $57,480 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $66,150 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $76,920 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $81,030 |
Respiratory Therapist Salary in Other States
Related Respiratory Therapist Salaries in Alabama
How other high-demand occupations in Alabama compare to Respiratory Therapist ($66,150 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Respiratory Therapist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiologist in AL | $519,480 | +685.3% | $249.75/hr |
| Anesthesiologist in AL | $392,350 | +493.1% | $188.63/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in AL | $311,180 | +370.4% | $149.61/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in AL | $210,380 | +218.0% | $101.14/hr |
| Pediatrician in AL | $209,490 | +216.7% | $100.72/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in AL | $190,300 | +187.7% | $91.49/hr |
| Podiatrist in AL | $161,820 | +144.6% | $77.80/hr |
| Optometrist in AL | $145,090 | +119.3% | $69.75/hr |
| Pharmacist in AL | $134,630 | +103.5% | $64.73/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in AL | $134,550 | +103.4% | $64.69/hr |
| Nurse Practitioner in AL | $105,750 | +59.9% | $50.84/hr |
| Veterinarian in AL | $105,630 | +59.7% | $50.78/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do respiratory therapists make in Alabama?
- Respiratory therapists in Alabama earn a median salary of $64,010 per year, or $31 per hour. This is approximately 20.2% below the national average for this profession.
What is the salary range for respiratory therapists in Alabama?
- Respiratory therapist salaries in Alabama range from $48,490 on the lower end to $82,920 on the higher end, representing significant variation based on experience and employer.
How many respiratory therapists are employed in Alabama?
- There are approximately 2,250 respiratory therapists currently employed in Alabama, indicating a stable job market for this healthcare profession in the state.
Is the respiratory therapist salary in Alabama lower than the national average?
- Yes, Alabama's median respiratory therapist salary of $64,010 is 20.2% below the national average, making it one of the lower-paying states for this position.