Respiratory Therapist Salary in Alaska
Based on 180+ workers in Alaska
Median Annual Salary (AK)
$97,950
$47.09/hr
vs National Average
$83,882
+16.8% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$80K – $115K
180 employed in Alaska
Respiratory therapists in Alaska earn a median salary of $94,210 per year, significantly outpacing the national average by 17%. With approximately 170 respiratory therapists currently employed in the state, this healthcare profession offers competitive compensation. The salary range typically spans from $76,900 to $104,610 annually, reflecting variation based on individual experience and employment circumstances.
Several factors influence respiratory therapist salary in Alaska, including years of clinical experience, employer type, and geographic location within the state. Specialization in critical care or other advanced areas can command higher wages. Alaska's remote location and higher cost of living contribute to elevated compensation levels compared to other states, making the profession particularly attractive for qualified professionals considering relocation to the region.
Salary Distribution — Respiratory Therapist in Alaska
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $80,250 |
| 25th percentile | $84,560 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $97,950 |
| 75th percentile | $101,280 |
| 90th percentile | $114,590 |
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 Alaska 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 Alaska vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Alaska) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $84,010 |
| 2023 | $94,030 |
| 2024 | $94,210 |
| 2025 | $97,950 |
| 2026 (projected) | $101,838 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Alaska Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $84,010 | $70,362 |
| 2023 | $94,030 | $76,440 |
| 2024 | $94,210 | $80,241 |
| 2025 | $97,950 | $83,882 |
| 2026 (projected) | $101,838 | $87,212 |
Respiratory Therapist Salary by Experience Level in Alaska
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $84,560 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $97,950 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $101,280 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $114,590 |
Respiratory Therapist Salary in Other States
Related Respiratory Therapist Salaries in Alaska
How other high-demand occupations in Alaska compare to Respiratory Therapist ($97,950 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Respiratory Therapist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emergency Medicine Physician in AK | $452,620 | +362.1% | $217.61/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in AK | $421,450 | +330.3% | $202.62/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in AK | $366,080 | +273.7% | $176.00/hr |
| Psychiatrist in AK | $342,170 | +249.3% | $164.50/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in AK | $341,210 | +248.4% | $164.04/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in AK | $323,490 | +230.3% | $155.52/hr |
| Pediatrician in AK | $267,390 | +173.0% | $128.55/hr |
| Dentist in AK | $230,990 | +135.8% | $111.05/hr |
| Optometrist in AK | $170,310 | +73.9% | $81.88/hr |
| Pharmacist in AK | $167,310 | +70.8% | $80.44/hr |
| Nurse Practitioner in AK | $155,170 | +58.4% | $74.60/hr |
| Physician Assistant in AK | $150,700 | +53.9% | $72.45/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do respiratory therapists make in Alaska?
- Respiratory therapists in Alaska earn a median salary of $94,210 per year, or approximately $45 per hour. This is significantly higher than the national average, making Alaska one of the better-paying states for this profession.
Is the respiratory therapist salary in Alaska above the national average?
- Yes, respiratory therapists in Alaska earn 17.4% more than the national average. With a median of $94,210 annually, Alaska offers substantially higher compensation compared to most other states.
What is the salary range for respiratory therapists in Alaska?
- Respiratory therapists in Alaska earn between $76,900 and $104,610 annually, depending on experience and employer. This range shows significant earning potential within the state.
How many respiratory therapists are employed in Alaska?
- There are currently 170 respiratory therapists employed in Alaska. This relatively small workforce reflects Alaska's smaller population compared to other states.