Respiratory Therapist Salary in Pennsylvania
Based on 7K+ workers in Pennsylvania
Median Annual Salary (PA)
$78,490
$37.74/hr
vs National Average
$83,882
-6.4% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$62K – $96K
7K employed in Pennsylvania
Understanding the Respiratory Therapist salary in Pennsylvania is crucial for professionals in the field. The median annual salary for Respiratory Therapists in Pennsylvania stands at $78,490, placing it 6% below the national average. This compensation is earned by a significant workforce of 6,530 individuals across the state, operating within a salary range of $62,440 to $95,520.
Several factors influence the Respiratory Therapist salary in Pennsylvania. Experience level, specific certifications held, and the type of healthcare facility where one is employed, such as a large hospital versus a smaller clinic, can all impact earning potential. Furthermore, the cost of living and demand for respiratory care services in specific regions within Pennsylvania also play a role in salary variations.
Salary Distribution — Respiratory Therapist in Pennsylvania
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $62,440 |
| 25th percentile | $66,940 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $78,490 |
| 75th percentile | $87,620 |
| 90th percentile | $95,520 |
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 Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Pennsylvania) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $65,860 |
| 2023 | $76,760 |
| 2024 | $76,160 |
| 2025 | $78,490 |
| 2026 (projected) | $80,891 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Pennsylvania Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $65,860 | $70,362 |
| 2023 | $76,760 | $76,440 |
| 2024 | $76,160 | $80,241 |
| 2025 | $78,490 | $83,882 |
| 2026 (projected) | $80,891 | $86,448 |
Respiratory Therapist Salary by Experience Level in Pennsylvania
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $66,940 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $78,490 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $87,620 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $95,520 |
Respiratory Therapist Salary in Other States
Related Respiratory Therapist Salaries in Pennsylvania
How other high-demand occupations in Pennsylvania compare to Respiratory Therapist ($78,490 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Respiratory Therapist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiologist in PA | $579,120 | +637.8% | $278.42/hr |
| Anesthesiologist in PA | $461,390 | +487.8% | $221.82/hr |
| Radiologist in PA | $455,380 | +480.2% | $218.93/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in PA | $306,030 | +289.9% | $147.13/hr |
| Psychiatrist in PA | $278,970 | +255.4% | $134.12/hr |
| Pediatrician in PA | $226,440 | +188.5% | $108.87/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in PA | $221,530 | +182.2% | $106.50/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in PA | $213,310 | +171.8% | $102.55/hr |
| Dentist in PA | $163,390 | +108.2% | $78.55/hr |
| Podiatrist in PA | $155,050 | +97.5% | $74.54/hr |
| Pharmacist in PA | $138,160 | +76.0% | $66.42/hr |
| Optometrist in PA | $135,400 | +72.5% | $65.10/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Respiratory Therapist make in Pennsylvania?
- The median salary for Respiratory Therapists in Pennsylvania is $78,490 per year, which averages out to $38 per hour. The typical salary range falls between $62,440 and $95,520 annually.
What is the salary range for Respiratory Therapists in Pennsylvania?
- In Pennsylvania, Respiratory Therapists can expect to earn between $62,440 and $95,520 per year. The median salary for the profession in the state is $78,490 annually.
How does the salary for Respiratory Therapists in Pennsylvania compare to the national average?
- Respiratory Therapists in Pennsylvania earn approximately 6.4% less than the national average salary. The median annual salary in Pennsylvania is $78,490, while the national median is higher.
How many Respiratory Therapists are employed in Pennsylvania?
- There are approximately 6,530 Respiratory Therapists employed in Pennsylvania. This figure represents the total number of professionals in this field within the state.