Respiratory Therapist Salary in Colorado
Based on 2K+ workers in Colorado
Median Annual Salary (CO)
$86,220
$41.45/hr
vs National Average
$83,882
+2.8% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$67K – $109K
2K employed in Colorado
Respiratory therapist salary in Colorado averages $86,220 per year, which is approximately 3% above the national average. With roughly 2,110 respiratory therapists employed across the state, Colorado offers competitive compensation in this healthcare field. Salaries in the state range from $66,560 to $109,070 annually, reflecting variation based on experience and employment setting.
Several factors influence respiratory therapist compensation in Colorado, including years of clinical experience, professional certifications, and employer type. Healthcare facilities in urban areas like Denver typically offer higher wages than rural locations. Additionally, specialized roles in critical care or pulmonary rehabilitation may command premium pay compared to general respiratory therapy positions.
Salary Distribution — Respiratory Therapist in Colorado
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $66,560 |
| 25th percentile | $78,980 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $86,220 |
| 75th percentile | $100,130 |
| 90th percentile | $109,070 |
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 Colorado 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 Colorado vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Colorado) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $75,380 |
| 2023 | $80,770 |
| 2024 | $80,690 |
| 2025 | $86,220 |
| 2026 (projected) | $91,393 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Colorado Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $75,380 | $70,362 |
| 2023 | $80,770 | $76,440 |
| 2024 | $80,690 | $80,241 |
| 2025 | $86,220 | $83,882 |
| 2026 (projected) | $91,393 | $88,915 |
Respiratory Therapist Salary by Experience Level in Colorado
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $78,980 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $86,220 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $100,130 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $109,070 |
Respiratory Therapist Salary in Other States
Related Respiratory Therapist Salaries in Colorado
How other high-demand occupations in Colorado compare to Respiratory Therapist ($86,220 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Respiratory Therapist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Radiologist in CO | $344,270 | +299.3% | $165.51/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in CO | $299,990 | +247.9% | $144.23/hr |
| Psychiatrist in CO | $266,370 | +208.9% | $128.06/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in CO | $265,560 | +208.0% | $127.67/hr |
| Pediatrician in CO | $196,440 | +127.8% | $94.44/hr |
| Dentist in CO | $166,240 | +92.8% | $79.92/hr |
| Pharmacist in CO | $156,030 | +81.0% | $75.01/hr |
| Optometrist in CO | $152,000 | +76.3% | $73.08/hr |
| Podiatrist in CO | $142,620 | +65.4% | $68.57/hr |
| Nurse Midwife in CO | $137,610 | +59.6% | $66.16/hr |
| Medical and Health Services Manager in CO | $134,910 | +56.5% | $64.86/hr |
| Physician Assistant in CO | $134,540 | +56.0% | $64.68/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do respiratory therapists make in Colorado?
- Respiratory therapists in Colorado earn a median salary of $86,220 per year, or $41 per hour. This is 2.8% higher than the national average, making Colorado a competitive state for this profession.
What is the salary range for respiratory therapists in Colorado?
- The salary range for respiratory therapists in Colorado spans from $66,560 at the lower end to $109,070 at the upper end. This $42,510 range reflects differences in experience, certifications, and employer type.
How many respiratory therapists are employed in Colorado?
- There are approximately 2,110 respiratory therapists currently employed in Colorado. This represents a stable job market for qualified professionals in the state.
Is Colorado's respiratory therapist salary above the national average?
- Yes, Colorado's respiratory therapist median salary of $86,220 is 2.8% above the national average. This makes Colorado an attractive location for respiratory therapists seeking above-average compensation.