Respiratory Therapist Salary in New Jersey
Based on 3K+ workers in New Jersey
Median Annual Salary (NJ)
$100,810
$48.47/hr
vs National Average
$83,882
+20.2% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$78K – $123K
3K employed in New Jersey
Curious about the Respiratory Therapist salary in New Jersey? The median annual income for Respiratory Therapists in the Garden State is $100,810, placing them a significant 20% above the national average. With approximately 3,350 professionals employed in this vital role across the state, the earning potential is substantial, ranging from $78,000 to $123,370 annually.
Several factors influence a Respiratory Therapist salary in New Jersey. Experience level, specific certifications, and the type of healthcare facility—whether a large hospital system, a specialized clinic, or a long-term care facility—can all impact earning potential. Additionally, the demand for skilled professionals in different regions within New Jersey might lead to variations in compensation, reflecting the local job market and cost of living.
Salary Distribution — Respiratory Therapist in New Jersey
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $78,000 |
| 25th percentile | $87,560 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $100,810 |
| 75th percentile | $106,320 |
| 90th percentile | $123,370 |
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 New Jersey 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 New Jersey vs National
| Year | Median Salary (New Jersey) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $82,380 |
| 2023 | $94,220 |
| 2024 | $98,020 |
| 2025 | $100,810 |
| 2026 (projected) | $103,679 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | New Jersey Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $82,380 | $70,362 |
| 2023 | $94,220 | $76,440 |
| 2024 | $98,020 | $80,241 |
| 2025 | $100,810 | $83,882 |
| 2026 (projected) | $103,679 | $86,270 |
Respiratory Therapist Salary by Experience Level in New Jersey
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $87,560 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $100,810 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $106,320 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $123,370 |
Respiratory Therapist Salary in Other States
Related Respiratory Therapist Salaries in New Jersey
How other high-demand occupations in New Jersey compare to Respiratory Therapist ($100,810 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Respiratory Therapist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Radiologist in NJ | $482,700 | +378.8% | $232.07/hr |
| Surgeon in NJ | $437,890 | +334.4% | $210.52/hr |
| Emergency Medicine Physician in NJ | $315,340 | +212.8% | $151.61/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in NJ | $292,170 | +189.8% | $140.47/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in NJ | $291,350 | +189.0% | $140.07/hr |
| Cardiologist in NJ | $286,540 | +184.2% | $137.76/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in NJ | $228,870 | +127.0% | $110.03/hr |
| Pediatrician in NJ | $201,560 | +99.9% | $96.90/hr |
| Psychiatrist in NJ | $194,070 | +92.5% | $93.30/hr |
| Dentist in NJ | $171,330 | +70.0% | $82.37/hr |
| Physician Assistant in NJ | $165,690 | +64.4% | $79.66/hr |
| Podiatrist in NJ | $160,300 | +59.0% | $77.07/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do Respiratory Therapists make in New Jersey?
- In New Jersey, the median salary for a Respiratory Therapist is $100,810 per year, which averages out to $48 per hour. The salary range for most Respiratory Therapists falls between $78,000 and $123,370 annually.
What is the salary difference for Respiratory Therapists in New Jersey compared to the national average?
- Respiratory Therapists in New Jersey earn 20.2% more than the national average. This means while the national median might be lower, New Jersey offers a significantly higher earning potential for this profession.
What is the typical salary range for a Respiratory Therapist in New Jersey?
- The typical salary range for a Respiratory Therapist in New Jersey is between $78,000 and $123,370 per year. The median salary for the state is $100,810, indicating that many therapists earn around this figure.
How many Respiratory Therapists are employed in New Jersey?
- There are approximately 3,350 Respiratory Therapists employed in New Jersey. This indicates a solid job market for the profession within the state.