Respiratory Therapist Salary in District of Columbia
Based on 430+ workers in District of Columbia
Median Annual Salary (DC)
$111,950
$53.82/hr
vs National Average
$83,882
+33.5% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$77K – $127K
430 employed in District of Columbia
Respiratory Therapist salary in District of Columbia averages $111,950 annually, positioning the region well above the national average at 33% higher. With approximately 430 respiratory therapists employed in the district, this compensation reflects the area's high cost of living and demand for specialized healthcare professionals. Salaries in this field typically range from $77,240 to $127,400 depending on individual circumstances.
Several factors influence earning potential for respiratory therapists in this market. Experience level, employer type, and facility size play significant roles in determining compensation. Advanced certifications, shift differentials for night or weekend work, and employment in specialized departments such as critical care or pediatrics can also impact overall earnings. The district's status as a major medical hub contributes to competitive wages across the healthcare sector.
Salary Distribution — Respiratory Therapist in District of Columbia
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $77,240 |
| 25th percentile | $98,900 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $111,950 |
| 75th percentile | $127,400 |
| 90th percentile | $127,400 |
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 District of Columbia 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 District of Columbia vs National
| Year | Median Salary (District of Columbia) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $82,820 |
| 2023 | $106,480 |
| 2024 | $104,240 |
| 2025 | $111,950 |
| 2026 (projected) | $118,667 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | District of Columbia Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $82,820 | $70,362 |
| 2023 | $106,480 | $76,440 |
| 2024 | $104,240 | $80,241 |
| 2025 | $111,950 | $83,882 |
| 2026 (projected) | $118,667 | $88,915 |
Respiratory Therapist Salary by Experience Level in District of Columbia
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $98,900 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $111,950 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $127,400 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $127,400 |
Respiratory Therapist Salary in Other States
Related Respiratory Therapist Salaries in District of Columbia
How other high-demand occupations in District of Columbia compare to Respiratory Therapist ($111,950 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Respiratory Therapist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emergency Medicine Physician in DC | $318,200 | +184.2% | $152.98/hr |
| Podiatrist in DC | $265,740 | +137.4% | $127.76/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in DC | $233,390 | +108.5% | $112.21/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in DC | $223,250 | +99.4% | $107.33/hr |
| Anesthesiologist in DC | $202,570 | +80.9% | $97.39/hr |
| Psychiatrist in DC | $183,080 | +63.5% | $88.02/hr |
| Radiologist in DC | $182,450 | +63.0% | $87.72/hr |
| Medical and Health Services Manager in DC | $155,140 | +38.6% | $74.59/hr |
| Pharmacist in DC | $153,400 | +37.0% | $73.75/hr |
| Dental Hygienist in DC | $137,220 | +22.6% | $65.97/hr |
| Nurse Practitioner in DC | $135,880 | +21.4% | $65.33/hr |
| Physician Assistant in DC | $135,140 | +20.7% | $64.97/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do respiratory therapists make in Washington DC?
- Respiratory therapists in District of Columbia earn a median salary of $111,950 per year, or $54 per hour. This is significantly higher than the national average, representing a 33.5% premium for working in DC.
What is the salary range for respiratory therapists in DC?
- The salary range for respiratory therapists in District of Columbia spans from $77,240 to $127,400 annually. Your exact salary within this range will depend on factors like experience, employer, and specific credentials.
Is the respiratory therapist salary in DC higher than the national average?
- Yes, respiratory therapists in District of Columbia earn 33.5% more than the national average, with a median of $111,950 compared to the national median. This makes DC one of the most lucrative markets for this profession.
How many respiratory therapists work in Washington DC?
- There are approximately 430 respiratory therapists currently employed in District of Columbia. This represents a moderate-sized professional community in the region.