Respiratory Therapist Salary in Florida
Based on 9K+ workers in Florida
Median Annual Salary (FL)
$81,160
$39.02/hr
vs National Average
$83,882
-3.2% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$64K – $100K
9K employed in Florida
Respiratory Therapist salary in Florida averages $81,160 per year, according to current employment data. This median reflects compensation for approximately 8,820 working respiratory therapists across the state. While this represents a solid middle-class income, it falls about 3% below the national average for the profession, indicating Florida's wages are slightly lower than the broader U.S. market.
Several factors influence respiratory therapist compensation in Florida, including years of experience, certifications, and employer type. Hospitals, clinics, and specialized respiratory care facilities may offer different pay scales based on their size and resources. Additionally, geographic location within Florida, shift differentials for night or weekend work, and whether a therapist pursues advanced credentials can all impact earning potential in this healthcare field.
Salary Distribution — Respiratory Therapist in Florida
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $64,240 |
| 25th percentile | $75,210 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $81,160 |
| 75th percentile | $87,990 |
| 90th percentile | $100,310 |
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 Florida 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 Florida vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Florida) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $65,530 |
| 2023 | $76,390 |
| 2024 | $79,710 |
| 2025 | $81,160 |
| 2026 (projected) | $82,636 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Florida Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $65,530 | $70,362 |
| 2023 | $76,390 | $76,440 |
| 2024 | $79,710 | $80,241 |
| 2025 | $81,160 | $83,882 |
| 2026 (projected) | $82,636 | $85,408 |
Respiratory Therapist Salary by Experience Level in Florida
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $75,210 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $81,160 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $87,990 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $100,310 |
Respiratory Therapist Salary in Other States
Related Respiratory Therapist Salaries in Florida
How other high-demand occupations in Florida compare to Respiratory Therapist ($81,160 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Respiratory Therapist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anesthesiologist in FL | $465,370 | +473.4% | $223.74/hr |
| Surgeon in FL | $429,990 | +429.8% | $206.73/hr |
| Radiologist in FL | $417,690 | +414.7% | $200.81/hr |
| Cardiologist in FL | $414,910 | +411.2% | $199.48/hr |
| Psychiatrist in FL | $316,200 | +289.6% | $152.02/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in FL | $227,700 | +180.6% | $109.47/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in FL | $222,600 | +174.3% | $107.02/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in FL | $210,570 | +159.5% | $101.24/hr |
| Emergency Medicine Physician in FL | $204,990 | +152.6% | $98.55/hr |
| Pediatrician in FL | $182,010 | +124.3% | $87.50/hr |
| Dentist in FL | $174,900 | +115.5% | $84.09/hr |
| Optometrist in FL | $151,670 | +86.9% | $72.92/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do respiratory therapists make in Florida per hour?
- Respiratory therapists in Florida earn a median of $39 per hour, which translates to an annual salary of $81,160. This hourly rate is based on the median compensation for the 8,820 respiratory therapists currently employed in the state.
What is the salary range for respiratory therapists in Florida?
- Respiratory therapists in Florida earn between $64,240 and $100,310 per year, depending on experience, employer, and location within the state. This range shows a significant earning potential difference of over $36,000 between entry-level and top earners.
Is the respiratory therapist salary in Florida higher or lower than the national average?
- Florida's respiratory therapist median salary of $81,160 is 3.2% lower than the national average. Despite being slightly below the national median, Florida still offers competitive compensation in this healthcare field.
How many respiratory therapists are employed in Florida?
- There are currently 8,820 respiratory therapists employed in Florida, making it a substantial workforce in the state's healthcare industry. This employment level reflects the consistent demand for respiratory therapy services across Florida's medical facilities.