Respiratory Therapist Salary in Louisiana
Based on 3K+ workers in Louisiana
Median Annual Salary (LA)
$75,240
$36.17/hr
vs National Average
$83,882
-10.3% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$62K – $91K
3K employed in Louisiana
The median respiratory therapist salary in Louisiana is $75,240 per year, approximately 10% below the national average. With roughly 2,520 respiratory therapists employed throughout the state, this figure reflects current market conditions for the profession. Salaries in Louisiana typically range from $61,520 to $91,200 annually, depending on individual circumstances and experience levels.
Several factors influence respiratory therapist compensation in Louisiana, including years of experience, employer type, and geographic location within the state. Specialized certifications and advanced qualifications can lead to higher earning potential. Additionally, work settings such as hospitals, clinics, or home healthcare services may offer different salary structures and benefits packages that affect overall compensation.
Salary Distribution — Respiratory Therapist in Louisiana
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $61,520 |
| 25th percentile | $64,440 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $75,240 |
| 75th percentile | $80,150 |
| 90th percentile | $91,200 |
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 Louisiana 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 Louisiana vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Louisiana) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $62,720 |
| 2023 | $65,890 |
| 2024 | $70,140 |
| 2025 | $75,240 |
| 2026 (projected) | $79,754 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Louisiana Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $62,720 | $70,362 |
| 2023 | $65,890 | $76,440 |
| 2024 | $70,140 | $80,241 |
| 2025 | $75,240 | $83,882 |
| 2026 (projected) | $79,754 | $88,915 |
Respiratory Therapist Salary by Experience Level in Louisiana
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $64,440 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $75,240 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $80,150 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $91,200 |
Respiratory Therapist Salary in Other States
Related Respiratory Therapist Salaries in Louisiana
How other high-demand occupations in Louisiana compare to Respiratory Therapist ($75,240 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Respiratory Therapist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pediatrician in LA | $502,720 | +568.2% | $241.69/hr |
| Anesthesiologist in LA | $410,500 | +445.6% | $197.36/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in LA | $404,550 | +437.7% | $194.50/hr |
| Psychiatrist in LA | $345,040 | +358.6% | $165.88/hr |
| Surgeon in LA | $304,830 | +305.1% | $146.55/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in LA | $255,330 | +239.4% | $122.75/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in LA | $222,130 | +195.2% | $106.79/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in LA | $210,390 | +179.6% | $101.15/hr |
| Podiatrist in LA | $197,480 | +162.5% | $94.94/hr |
| Dentist in LA | $170,750 | +126.9% | $82.09/hr |
| Pharmacist in LA | $132,410 | +76.0% | $63.66/hr |
| Physician Assistant in LA | $128,870 | +71.3% | $61.96/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do respiratory therapists make in Louisiana?
- The median salary for respiratory therapists in Louisiana is $75,240 per year, or $36 per hour. This is approximately 10.3% below the national average, making it a relatively lower-paying state for this profession.
What is the salary range for respiratory therapists in Louisiana?
- Respiratory therapists in Louisiana earn between $61,520 and $91,200 annually, depending on experience, employer, and location within the state. The median of $75,240 falls in the middle of this range.
Is respiratory therapist pay in Louisiana below the national average?
- Yes, respiratory therapist salaries in Louisiana are 10.3% below the national average. While the median Louisiana salary is $75,240 per year, this ranks lower compared to what therapists earn nationally.
How many respiratory therapists are employed in Louisiana?
- There are approximately 2,520 respiratory therapists currently employed in Louisiana, indicating a moderate job market for this healthcare profession in the state.