Respiratory Therapist Salary in California
Based on 19K+ workers in California
Median Annual Salary (CA)
$104,820
$50.39/hr
vs National Average
$83,882
+25.0% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$77K – $146K
19K employed in California
Respiratory therapists in California earn a median salary of $104,820 per year, positioning the state well above national averages. With approximately 18,650 respiratory therapists employed across California, this represents a significant healthcare workforce. The competitive respiratory therapist salary in California reflects the state's high cost of living and strong demand for respiratory care professionals in hospitals and medical facilities.
Several factors influence respiratory therapist salary in California, including years of experience, specialized certifications, and employer type. Salaries typically range from $77,010 to $145,510 annually, with experienced therapists in major metropolitan areas commanding higher wages. Geographic location within the state, shift differentials, and whether positions are in urban versus rural settings also play important roles in compensation variations among respiratory therapists.
Salary Distribution — Respiratory Therapist in California
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $77,010 |
| 25th percentile | $87,750 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $104,820 |
| 75th percentile | $129,010 |
| 90th percentile | $145,510 |
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 California 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 California vs National
| Year | Median Salary (California) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $97,770 |
| 2023 | $101,200 |
| 2024 | $102,120 |
| 2025 | $104,820 |
| 2026 (projected) | $107,591 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | California Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $97,770 | $70,362 |
| 2023 | $101,200 | $76,440 |
| 2024 | $102,120 | $80,241 |
| 2025 | $104,820 | $83,882 |
| 2026 (projected) | $107,591 | $86,100 |
Respiratory Therapist Salary by Experience Level in California
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $87,750 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $104,820 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $129,010 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $145,510 |
Respiratory Therapist Salary in Other States
Related Respiratory Therapist Salaries in California
How other high-demand occupations in California compare to Respiratory Therapist ($104,820 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Respiratory Therapist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Psychiatrist in CA | $353,500 | +237.2% | $169.95/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in CA | $313,890 | +199.5% | $150.91/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in CA | $301,240 | +187.4% | $144.83/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in CA | $292,410 | +179.0% | $140.58/hr |
| Radiologist in CA | $270,560 | +158.1% | $130.08/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in CA | $252,010 | +140.4% | $121.16/hr |
| Pediatrician in CA | $214,140 | +104.3% | $102.95/hr |
| Nurse Midwife in CA | $203,840 | +94.5% | $98.00/hr |
| Podiatrist in CA | $201,300 | +92.0% | $96.78/hr |
| Cardiologist in CA | $185,610 | +77.1% | $89.24/hr |
| Nurse Practitioner in CA | $168,520 | +60.8% | $81.02/hr |
| Dentist in CA | $165,950 | +58.3% | $79.78/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do respiratory therapists make in California?
- Respiratory therapists in California earn a median salary of $104,820 per year, or $50 per hour. This is significantly higher than the national average, representing a 25% premium for working in California.
What is the salary range for respiratory therapists in California?
- The salary range for respiratory therapists in California spans from $77,010 at the lower end to $145,510 at the higher end. This wide range reflects differences in experience, location within the state, and employer type.
Is respiratory therapy a well-paid job in California compared to the US?
- Yes, respiratory therapists in California earn 25% more than the national average, with a median of $104,820 per year. California's higher cost of living and strong healthcare demand contribute to these elevated salaries.
How many respiratory therapists are employed in California?
- There are approximately 18,650 respiratory therapists currently employed in California. This substantial workforce reflects the state's large population and extensive healthcare infrastructure.