Respiratory Therapist Salary in Washington
Based on 2K+ workers in Washington
Median Annual Salary (WA)
$101,130
$48.62/hr
vs National Average
$83,882
+20.6% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$76K – $128K
2K employed in Washington
The median Respiratory Therapist salary in Washington stands at an impressive $101,130 annually, placing it significantly above the national average by 21%. This data reflects the compensation for the 1,860 Respiratory Therapists currently employed in the state, offering a solid understanding of the earning potential within this vital healthcare profession in the region.
Several factors likely contribute to the robust Respiratory Therapist salary in Washington. Experience level, specific certifications, the type of healthcare facility, and geographic location within the state can all influence an individual's earnings. Demand for skilled respiratory care professionals in Washington's diverse healthcare landscape also plays a crucial role in determining compensation within the $76,080 to $127,520 range.
Salary Distribution — Respiratory Therapist in Washington
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $76,080 |
| 25th percentile | $84,870 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $101,130 |
| 75th percentile | $106,150 |
| 90th percentile | $127,520 |
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 Washington 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 Washington vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Washington) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $82,250 |
| 2023 | $89,230 |
| 2024 | $97,150 |
| 2025 | $101,130 |
| 2026 (projected) | $105,273 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Washington Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $82,250 | $70,362 |
| 2023 | $89,230 | $76,440 |
| 2024 | $97,150 | $80,241 |
| 2025 | $101,130 | $83,882 |
| 2026 (projected) | $105,273 | $87,318 |
Respiratory Therapist Salary by Experience Level in Washington
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $84,870 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $101,130 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $106,150 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $127,520 |
Respiratory Therapist Salary in Other States
Related Respiratory Therapist Salaries in Washington
How other high-demand occupations in Washington compare to Respiratory Therapist ($101,130 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Respiratory Therapist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiologist in WA | $656,330 | +549.0% | $315.54/hr |
| Anesthesiologist in WA | $499,990 | +394.4% | $240.38/hr |
| Surgeon in WA | $479,460 | +374.1% | $230.51/hr |
| Emergency Medicine Physician in WA | $380,870 | +276.6% | $183.11/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in WA | $343,140 | +239.3% | $164.97/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in WA | $340,010 | +236.2% | $163.47/hr |
| Psychiatrist in WA | $304,920 | +201.5% | $146.60/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in WA | $292,900 | +189.6% | $140.82/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in WA | $274,390 | +171.3% | $131.92/hr |
| Podiatrist in WA | $232,970 | +130.4% | $112.00/hr |
| Dentist in WA | $169,730 | +67.8% | $81.60/hr |
| Pediatrician in WA | $169,540 | +67.6% | $81.51/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Respiratory Therapist make in Washington?
- The median salary for a Respiratory Therapist in Washington is $101,130 per year, which averages out to about $49 per hour. The typical salary range falls between $76,080 and $127,520 annually.
What is the salary outlook for Respiratory Therapists in Washington compared to the national average?
- Respiratory Therapists in Washington earn significantly more than the national average, with salaries being 20.6% higher. This means Washington-based therapists can expect to make substantially more than their counterparts in other parts of the country.
What is the hourly wage for a Respiratory Therapist in Washington?
- In Washington, Respiratory Therapists earn a median hourly wage of $49. This hourly rate reflects the higher cost of living and demand for these professionals in the state.
How many Respiratory Therapists are employed in Washington?
- There are approximately 1,860 Respiratory Therapists employed in Washington state. This indicates a solid job market for these specialized healthcare professionals within the state.