Respiratory Therapist Salary in Iowa
Based on 910+ workers in Iowa
Median Annual Salary (IA)
$74,760
$35.94/hr
vs National Average
$83,882
-10.9% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$63K – $87K
910 employed in Iowa
Respiratory therapist salary in Iowa averages $74,760 per year, according to the most recent data. This median reflects compensation for approximately 910 employed respiratory therapists across the state. However, Iowa's average falls about 11 percent below the national median, indicating regional differences in healthcare compensation and cost of living.
Several factors influence respiratory therapist salary in Iowa, including experience level, employer type, and geographic location within the state. Salaries typically range from $62,860 to $86,510 annually, with variations reflecting differences in hospital size, patient volume, and specialization. Advanced certifications and years of practice experience also play significant roles in determining individual compensation within this healthcare field.
Salary Distribution — Respiratory Therapist in Iowa
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $62,860 |
| 25th percentile | $64,670 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $74,760 |
| 75th percentile | $80,730 |
| 90th percentile | $86,510 |
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 Iowa 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 Iowa vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Iowa) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $61,000 |
| 2023 | $64,850 |
| 2024 | $68,790 |
| 2025 | $74,760 |
| 2026 (projected) | $79,246 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Iowa Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $61,000 | $70,362 |
| 2023 | $64,850 | $76,440 |
| 2024 | $68,790 | $80,241 |
| 2025 | $74,760 | $83,882 |
| 2026 (projected) | $79,246 | $88,915 |
Respiratory Therapist Salary by Experience Level in Iowa
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $64,670 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $74,760 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $80,730 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $86,510 |
Respiratory Therapist Salary in Other States
Related Respiratory Therapist Salaries in Iowa
How other high-demand occupations in Iowa compare to Respiratory Therapist ($74,760 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Respiratory Therapist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emergency Medicine Physician in IA | $429,050 | +473.9% | $206.27/hr |
| Radiologist in IA | $405,220 | +442.0% | $194.82/hr |
| Surgeon in IA | $370,390 | +395.4% | $178.07/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in IA | $356,020 | +376.2% | $171.16/hr |
| Psychiatrist in IA | $295,270 | +295.0% | $141.96/hr |
| Cardiologist in IA | $283,070 | +278.6% | $136.09/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in IA | $273,070 | +265.3% | $131.28/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in IA | $265,200 | +254.7% | $127.50/hr |
| Pediatrician in IA | $262,440 | +251.0% | $126.17/hr |
| Dentist in IA | $181,520 | +142.8% | $87.27/hr |
| Pharmacist in IA | $138,860 | +85.7% | $66.76/hr |
| Podiatrist in IA | $134,830 | +80.4% | $64.82/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do respiratory therapists make in Iowa?
- The median salary for respiratory therapists in Iowa is $74,760 per year, or $36 per hour. This is approximately 10.9% below the national average for this profession.
What is the salary range for respiratory therapists in Iowa?
- Respiratory therapist salaries in Iowa range from $62,860 at the lower end to $86,510 at the higher end, depending on experience and employer.
Is being a respiratory therapist in Iowa a good paying job?
- While the median salary of $74,760 annually is respectable, respiratory therapists in Iowa earn about 10.9% less than the national average, so the state ranks below the national median for this career.
How many respiratory therapists are employed in Iowa?
- There are approximately 910 respiratory therapists currently employed in Iowa, reflecting moderate job availability in the state.