Respiratory Therapist Salary in Michigan
Based on 5K+ workers in Michigan
Median Annual Salary (MI)
$79,850
$38.39/hr
vs National Average
$83,882
-4.8% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$65K – $90K
5K employed in Michigan
Respiratory Therapist salary in Michigan averages $79,850 per year, according to current labor data. This represents approximately 5% below the national average for the profession. With roughly 4,520 respiratory therapists employed throughout the state, Michigan maintains a stable workforce in this essential healthcare field. Salaries in the state typically range from $64,770 to $90,210 annually.
Several factors influence earning potential for respiratory therapists in Michigan, including years of experience, certifications held, and the type of healthcare facility. Urban centers and specialized medical environments often offer higher compensation than rural areas. Additionally, individual credentials beyond basic licensing and the shift patterns worked can impact overall earnings potential in this clinical role.
Salary Distribution — Respiratory Therapist in Michigan
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $64,770 |
| 25th percentile | $71,740 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $79,850 |
| 75th percentile | $83,020 |
| 90th percentile | $90,210 |
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 Michigan 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 Michigan vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Michigan) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $64,490 |
| 2023 | $71,450 |
| 2024 | $77,460 |
| 2025 | $79,850 |
| 2026 (projected) | $82,314 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Michigan Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $64,490 | $70,362 |
| 2023 | $71,450 | $76,440 |
| 2024 | $77,460 | $80,241 |
| 2025 | $79,850 | $83,882 |
| 2026 (projected) | $82,314 | $86,470 |
Respiratory Therapist Salary by Experience Level in Michigan
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $71,740 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $79,850 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $83,020 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $90,210 |
Respiratory Therapist Salary in Other States
Related Respiratory Therapist Salaries in Michigan
How other high-demand occupations in Michigan compare to Respiratory Therapist ($79,850 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Respiratory Therapist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Radiologist in MI | $485,920 | +508.5% | $233.62/hr |
| Cardiologist in MI | $419,030 | +424.8% | $201.46/hr |
| Emergency Medicine Physician in MI | $417,760 | +423.2% | $200.85/hr |
| Surgeon in MI | $412,460 | +416.5% | $198.30/hr |
| Psychiatrist in MI | $291,850 | +265.5% | $140.31/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in MI | $247,010 | +209.3% | $118.75/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in MI | $214,070 | +168.1% | $102.92/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in MI | $209,650 | +162.6% | $100.79/hr |
| Pediatrician in MI | $204,690 | +156.3% | $98.41/hr |
| Dentist in MI | $169,930 | +112.8% | $81.70/hr |
| Podiatrist in MI | $162,140 | +103.1% | $77.95/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in MI | $149,990 | +87.8% | $72.11/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do respiratory therapists make in Michigan?
- The median salary for respiratory therapists in Michigan is $79,850 per year, or approximately $38 per hour. This is about 4.8% lower than the national average for this profession.
What is the salary range for respiratory therapists in Michigan?
- Respiratory therapist salaries in Michigan range from $64,770 at the lower end to $90,210 at the higher end. This range reflects differences in experience, location within the state, and employer type.
How many respiratory therapists are employed in Michigan?
- There are currently 4,520 respiratory therapists employed throughout Michigan, providing a substantial job market for professionals in this field.
Is the respiratory therapist salary in Michigan above or below the national average?
- Michigan's median respiratory therapist salary of $79,850 per year is 4.8% below the national average, making it a slightly lower-paying state for this profession compared to the rest of the country.