Respiratory Therapist Salary in Arizona
Based on 4K+ workers in Arizona
Median Annual Salary (AZ)
$79,780
$38.36/hr
vs National Average
$83,882
-4.9% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$65K – $99K
4K employed in Arizona
Respiratory Therapist salary in Arizona averages $79,780 annually, which is approximately 5% below the national average. Salaries in the state range from $64,780 to $99,180 depending on experience and employer. With around 3,500 respiratory therapists employed across Arizona, the market offers steady opportunities for qualified professionals seeking work in this essential healthcare field.
Several factors influence earning potential for respiratory therapists in Arizona, including years of experience, certification level, and employer type. Healthcare facilities in urban areas like Phoenix and Tucson typically offer competitive compensation, while rural locations may differ. Specialization in critical care or sleep medicine, along with additional credentials, can lead to higher salaries within the state's market.
Salary Distribution — Respiratory Therapist in Arizona
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $64,780 |
| 25th percentile | $70,680 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $79,780 |
| 75th percentile | $86,070 |
| 90th percentile | $99,180 |
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 Arizona 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 Arizona vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Arizona) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $65,280 |
| 2023 | $74,520 |
| 2024 | $79,290 |
| 2025 | $79,780 |
| 2026 (projected) | $80,273 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Arizona Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $65,280 | $70,362 |
| 2023 | $74,520 | $76,440 |
| 2024 | $79,290 | $80,241 |
| 2025 | $79,780 | $83,882 |
| 2026 (projected) | $80,273 | $84,400 |
Respiratory Therapist Salary by Experience Level in Arizona
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $70,680 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $79,780 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $86,070 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $99,180 |
Respiratory Therapist Salary in Other States
Related Respiratory Therapist Salaries in Arizona
How other high-demand occupations in Arizona compare to Respiratory Therapist ($79,780 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Respiratory Therapist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Radiologist in AZ | $470,640 | +489.9% | $226.27/hr |
| Surgeon in AZ | $415,980 | +421.4% | $199.99/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in AZ | $369,720 | +363.4% | $177.75/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in AZ | $292,760 | +267.0% | $140.75/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in AZ | $259,320 | +225.0% | $124.67/hr |
| Psychiatrist in AZ | $249,720 | +213.0% | $120.06/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in AZ | $248,660 | +211.7% | $119.55/hr |
| Pediatrician in AZ | $233,950 | +193.2% | $112.48/hr |
| Dentist in AZ | $194,180 | +143.4% | $93.36/hr |
| Veterinarian in AZ | $152,020 | +90.5% | $73.09/hr |
| Pharmacist in AZ | $146,930 | +84.2% | $70.64/hr |
| Nurse Midwife in AZ | $140,960 | +76.7% | $67.77/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do respiratory therapists make in Arizona?
- Respiratory therapists in Arizona earn a median salary of $79,780 per year, or $38 per hour. This is 4.9% below the national average for this profession.
What is the salary range for respiratory therapists in Arizona?
- The salary range for respiratory therapists in Arizona spans from $64,780 at the lower end to $99,180 at the higher end, representing a difference of $34,400 between entry-level and top earners.
How many respiratory therapists are employed in Arizona?
- There are approximately 3,500 respiratory therapists currently employed in Arizona, making it a moderately sized workforce in the state.
Is Arizona's respiratory therapist salary below the national average?
- Yes, Arizona's median respiratory therapist salary of $79,780 annually is 4.9% lower than the national average for this occupation.