Respiratory Therapist Salary in Virginia
Based on 3K+ workers in Virginia
Median Annual Salary (VA)
$82,910
$39.86/hr
vs National Average
$83,882
-1.2% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$66K – $106K
3K employed in Virginia
The median Respiratory Therapist salary in Virginia is $82,910 per year, falling just 1% below the national average. With 3,340 professionals employed in this vital role across the state, the salary range typically spans from $65,540 to $106,470 annually, reflecting a broad spectrum of experience and responsibility.
Several factors influence Respiratory Therapist salary in Virginia. These include the specific healthcare facility, the therapist's years of experience, their level of education and certifications, and whether they hold a specialized skill set. Additionally, the cost of living in different regions of Virginia can impact compensation for these dedicated healthcare professionals.
Salary Distribution — Respiratory Therapist in Virginia
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $65,540 |
| 25th percentile | $78,820 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $82,910 |
| 75th percentile | $94,770 |
| 90th percentile | $106,470 |
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 Virginia 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 Virginia vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Virginia) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $65,790 |
| 2023 | $76,230 |
| 2024 | $79,600 |
| 2025 | $82,910 |
| 2026 (projected) | $86,358 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Virginia Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $65,790 | $70,362 |
| 2023 | $76,230 | $76,440 |
| 2024 | $79,600 | $80,241 |
| 2025 | $82,910 | $83,882 |
| 2026 (projected) | $86,358 | $87,370 |
Respiratory Therapist Salary by Experience Level in Virginia
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $78,820 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $82,910 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $94,770 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $106,470 |
Respiratory Therapist Salary in Other States
Related Respiratory Therapist Salaries in Virginia
How other high-demand occupations in Virginia compare to Respiratory Therapist ($82,910 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Respiratory Therapist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anesthesiologist in VA | $488,310 | +489.0% | $234.76/hr |
| Cardiologist in VA | $461,450 | +456.6% | $221.85/hr |
| Radiologist in VA | $376,270 | +353.8% | $180.90/hr |
| Surgeon in VA | $360,510 | +334.8% | $173.32/hr |
| Psychiatrist in VA | $295,010 | +255.8% | $141.83/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in VA | $282,410 | +240.6% | $135.77/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in VA | $252,110 | +204.1% | $121.21/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in VA | $222,630 | +168.5% | $107.03/hr |
| Dentist in VA | $197,110 | +137.7% | $94.76/hr |
| Pediatrician in VA | $195,940 | +136.3% | $94.20/hr |
| Pharmacist in VA | $144,060 | +73.8% | $69.26/hr |
| Physician Assistant in VA | $135,940 | +64.0% | $65.36/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do Respiratory Therapists make in Virginia?
- The median salary for a Respiratory Therapist in Virginia is $82,910 per year, which breaks down to about $40 per hour. This means half of all Respiratory Therapists in Virginia earn more than this amount, and half earn less.
What is the salary range for Respiratory Therapists in Virginia?
- In Virginia, Respiratory Therapists can expect to earn between $65,540 and $106,470 annually. This wide range reflects differences in experience, location, and employer.
How does the average Respiratory Therapist salary in Virginia compare to the national average?
- Respiratory Therapists in Virginia earn slightly less than the national average, with salaries being 1.2% lower. The median salary in Virginia is $82,910 per year, compared to the national median.
How many Respiratory Therapists are employed in Virginia?
- There are approximately 3,340 Respiratory Therapists employed in Virginia. This indicates a stable job market for professionals in this field within the state.