Respiratory Therapist Salary in Delaware
Based on 500+ workers in Delaware
Median Annual Salary (DE)
$91,080
$43.79/hr
vs National Average
$83,882
+8.6% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$79K – $110K
500 employed in Delaware
Respiratory therapist salary in Delaware reflects strong compensation in the healthcare field. The median annual salary for respiratory therapists in Delaware is $91,080, positioning the state notably above the national average at 9% higher. With approximately 500 respiratory therapists currently employed in the state, Delaware offers competitive wages for this essential healthcare profession.
Several factors influence respiratory therapist salary in Delaware, including years of experience, specialized certifications, and the type of healthcare facility. Therapists working in specialized units or teaching roles typically earn toward the higher end of the $79,210 to $109,890 salary range. Geographic location within the state, employer size, and additional credentials in neonatal or critical care can also meaningfully impact earning potential in this role.
Salary Distribution — Respiratory Therapist in Delaware
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $79,210 |
| 25th percentile | $82,880 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $91,080 |
| 75th percentile | $97,000 |
| 90th percentile | $109,890 |
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 Delaware 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 Delaware vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Delaware) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $79,020 |
| 2023 | $83,820 |
| 2024 | $87,380 |
| 2025 | $91,080 |
| 2026 (projected) | $94,937 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Delaware Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $79,020 | $70,362 |
| 2023 | $83,820 | $76,440 |
| 2024 | $87,380 | $80,241 |
| 2025 | $91,080 | $83,882 |
| 2026 (projected) | $94,937 | $87,434 |
Respiratory Therapist Salary by Experience Level in Delaware
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $82,880 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $91,080 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $97,000 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $109,890 |
Respiratory Therapist Salary in Other States
Related Respiratory Therapist Salaries in Delaware
How other high-demand occupations in Delaware compare to Respiratory Therapist ($91,080 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Respiratory Therapist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in DE | $324,080 | +255.8% | $155.81/hr |
| Psychiatrist in DE | $279,410 | +206.8% | $134.33/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in DE | $228,000 | +150.3% | $109.62/hr |
| Pediatrician in DE | $219,190 | +140.7% | $105.38/hr |
| Podiatrist in DE | $170,560 | +87.3% | $82.00/hr |
| Optometrist in DE | $161,270 | +77.1% | $77.53/hr |
| Pharmacist in DE | $152,880 | +67.9% | $73.50/hr |
| Physician Assistant in DE | $139,350 | +53.0% | $67.00/hr |
| Medical and Health Services Manager in DE | $134,820 | +48.0% | $64.82/hr |
| Nurse Practitioner in DE | $131,040 | +43.9% | $63.00/hr |
| Nurse Midwife in DE | $127,510 | +40.0% | $61.30/hr |
| Speech-Language Pathologist in DE | $102,760 | +12.8% | $49.40/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do respiratory therapists make in Delaware?
- Respiratory therapists in Delaware earn a median salary of $91,080 per year, or $44 per hour. This is 8.6% higher than the national average, making it a competitive wage for this profession in the state.
What is the salary range for respiratory therapists in Delaware?
- The salary range for respiratory therapists in Delaware spans from $79,210 at the lower end to $109,890 at the higher end. This range reflects differences in experience, certifications, and employer type across the state.
Is respiratory therapy a well-paying job in Delaware?
- Yes, respiratory therapy is well-compensated in Delaware with a median salary of $91,080 annually, which exceeds the national average by 8.6%. Delaware currently employs approximately 500 respiratory therapists, indicating steady demand for the profession.
What do entry-level respiratory therapists earn in Delaware?
- Entry-level respiratory therapists in Delaware can expect to earn around $79,210 per year, which is at the lower end of the state's salary range. With experience and advancement, therapists can earn up to $109,890 annually.