Respiratory Therapist Salary in Missouri
Based on 3K+ workers in Missouri
Median Annual Salary (MO)
$78,390
$37.69/hr
vs National Average
$83,882
-6.5% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$61K – $96K
3K employed in Missouri
The median Respiratory Therapist salary in Missouri stands at $78,390 annually. This figure places the average earnings for these vital healthcare professionals at 7% below the national average, with the typical range falling between $60,950 and $95,730. Currently, Missouri employs approximately 3,030 Respiratory Therapists.
Several factors influence the Respiratory Therapist salary in Missouri. Experience level, employer type (such as hospitals versus private practices), geographic location within the state, and specialized certifications can all contribute to variations within the reported salary range. Demand for these services also plays a significant role in compensation.
Salary Distribution — Respiratory Therapist in Missouri
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $60,950 |
| 25th percentile | $64,800 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $78,390 |
| 75th percentile | $83,030 |
| 90th percentile | $95,730 |
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 Missouri 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 Missouri vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Missouri) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $63,300 |
| 2023 | $67,780 |
| 2024 | $73,880 |
| 2025 | $78,390 |
| 2026 (projected) | $83,093 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Missouri Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $63,300 | $70,362 |
| 2023 | $67,780 | $76,440 |
| 2024 | $73,880 | $80,241 |
| 2025 | $78,390 | $83,882 |
| 2026 (projected) | $83,093 | $88,915 |
Respiratory Therapist Salary by Experience Level in Missouri
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $64,800 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $78,390 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $83,030 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $95,730 |
Respiratory Therapist Salary in Other States
Related Respiratory Therapist Salaries in Missouri
How other high-demand occupations in Missouri compare to Respiratory Therapist ($78,390 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Respiratory Therapist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiologist in MO | $648,070 | +726.7% | $311.57/hr |
| Emergency Medicine Physician in MO | $456,280 | +482.1% | $219.37/hr |
| Psychiatrist in MO | $312,680 | +298.9% | $150.33/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in MO | $242,630 | +209.5% | $116.65/hr |
| Pediatrician in MO | $223,910 | +185.6% | $107.65/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in MO | $216,570 | +176.3% | $104.12/hr |
| Dentist in MO | $204,960 | +161.5% | $98.54/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in MO | $171,180 | +118.4% | $82.30/hr |
| Pharmacist in MO | $137,610 | +75.5% | $66.16/hr |
| Physician Assistant in MO | $135,130 | +72.4% | $64.97/hr |
| Optometrist in MO | $133,810 | +70.7% | $64.33/hr |
| Nurse Midwife in MO | $130,220 | +66.1% | $62.61/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Respiratory Therapist make in Missouri?
- The median salary for a Respiratory Therapist in Missouri is $78,390 per year, which averages out to about $38 per hour. Most Respiratory Therapists in the state earn between $60,950 and $95,730 annually.
What is the average salary for Respiratory Therapists in Missouri compared to the national average?
- Respiratory Therapists in Missouri earn approximately 6.5% less than the national average. This means the Missouri median salary of $78,390 is below the national median.
What is the typical salary range for Respiratory Therapists in Missouri?
- In Missouri, the salary range for Respiratory Therapists typically falls between $60,950 and $95,730 per year. The median salary is positioned at $78,390 within this range.
How many Respiratory Therapists are employed in Missouri?
- There are approximately 3,030 Respiratory Therapists employed in Missouri. These professionals contribute to the healthcare landscape, earning a median salary of $78,390 annually.