Respiratory Therapist Salary in Arkansas
Based on 1K+ workers in Arkansas
Median Annual Salary (AR)
$73,870
$35.51/hr
vs National Average
$83,882
-11.9% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$60K – $93K
1K employed in Arkansas
Respiratory therapist salary in Arkansas averages $73,870 annually, with approximately 1,400 workers employed in the state. While this represents a solid income for healthcare professionals, it falls about 12% below the national average. The salary range spans from $59,550 to $93,480, reflecting variations based on experience and workplace setting.
Several factors influence respiratory therapist salary in Arkansas, including years of experience, employer type, and geographic location within the state. Healthcare facilities in urban areas typically offer higher compensation than rural settings. Additionally, specialized certifications, shift differentials, and whether a therapist works in a hospital, clinic, or home health setting can significantly impact earning potential.
Salary Distribution — Respiratory Therapist in Arkansas
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $59,550 |
| 25th percentile | $63,120 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $73,870 |
| 75th percentile | $78,520 |
| 90th percentile | $93,480 |
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 Arkansas 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 Arkansas vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Arkansas) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $62,210 |
| 2023 | $64,990 |
| 2024 | $67,960 |
| 2025 | $73,870 |
| 2026 (projected) | $78,302 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Arkansas Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $62,210 | $70,362 |
| 2023 | $64,990 | $76,440 |
| 2024 | $67,960 | $80,241 |
| 2025 | $73,870 | $83,882 |
| 2026 (projected) | $78,302 | $88,915 |
Respiratory Therapist Salary by Experience Level in Arkansas
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $63,120 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $73,870 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $78,520 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $93,480 |
Respiratory Therapist Salary in Other States
Related Respiratory Therapist Salaries in Arkansas
How other high-demand occupations in Arkansas compare to Respiratory Therapist ($73,870 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Respiratory Therapist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surgeon in AR | $254,940 | +245.1% | $122.57/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in AR | $233,130 | +215.6% | $112.08/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in AR | $224,280 | +203.6% | $107.83/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in AR | $215,820 | +192.2% | $103.76/hr |
| Dentist in AR | $178,930 | +142.2% | $86.02/hr |
| Pediatrician in AR | $160,440 | +117.2% | $77.13/hr |
| Pharmacist in AR | $136,060 | +84.2% | $65.41/hr |
| Nurse Practitioner in AR | $125,660 | +70.1% | $60.41/hr |
| Psychiatrist in AR | $124,750 | +68.9% | $59.98/hr |
| Optometrist in AR | $124,470 | +68.5% | $59.84/hr |
| Physician Assistant in AR | $118,430 | +60.3% | $56.94/hr |
| Veterinarian in AR | $107,710 | +45.8% | $51.78/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do respiratory therapists make in Arkansas?
- The median salary for respiratory therapists in Arkansas is $73,870 per year, or $36 per hour. This is approximately 11.9% below the national average for this profession.
What is the salary range for respiratory therapists in Arkansas?
- Respiratory therapist salaries in Arkansas range from $59,550 at the lower end to $93,480 at the higher end, depending on experience, location, and employer.
How many respiratory therapists are employed in Arkansas?
- There are approximately 1,400 respiratory therapists currently employed in Arkansas, making it a moderate-sized workforce in the state.
Is the respiratory therapist salary in Arkansas lower than the national average?
- Yes, the median respiratory therapist salary in Arkansas at $73,870 per year is 11.9% lower than the national average for this occupation.