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Respiratory Therapy Assistant Salary in the United States

How much does a Respiratory Therapy Assistant make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Respiratory Therapy Assistant in the United States is $74,070 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $36.

However, a Respiratory Therapy Assistant's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $87,959
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $68,990 to $81,340
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $64,365
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Respiratory Therapy Assistant Salaries

A Respiratory Therapy Assistant's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Respiratory Therapy Assistant Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Respiratory Therapy Assistant's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $72,402
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $72,781
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $73,312
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $74,287
  • Expert (over 8 years): $76,457
Levels Salary
Entry Level Respiratory Therapy Assistant$72,402
Intermediate Level Respiratory Therapy Assistant$72,781
Senior Level Respiratory Therapy Assistant$73,312
Specialist Level Respiratory Therapy Assistant$74,287
Expert Level Respiratory Therapy Assistant$76,457
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How Do Respiratory Therapy Assistant Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Respiratory Therapy Assistants. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $82,010.
  • California: $81,700.
  • Massachusetts: $80,610.

Top Paying Cities for Respiratory Therapy Assistants

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $93,420
  • San Francisco: $92,400
  • Oakland: $90,450

Respiratory Therapy Assistant Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Respiratory Therapy Assistant salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $78,617. While startup companies pay approximate $66,950.

Respiratory Therapy Assistant Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $66,950
Growth Stage 51~500 $70,690
Established 501~5000 $76,029
Enterprise 5000+ $78,617

Respiratory Therapy Assistant Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Respiratory Therapy Assistant roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 16% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Healthcare, offers compensation 8% above the average. Conversely, Respiratory Therapy Assistant positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Respiratory Therapy Assistant as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for a Respiratory Therapy Assistant

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Healthcare$79,996$38.08%

Respiratory Therapy Assistant Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Respiratory Therapy Assistant's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$68,990
Average $74,070/year
$81,340
$5,749
Average $6,173/month
$6,778
$1,327
Average $1,424/week
$1,564
$33
Average $36/hour
$39
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $81,340 $6,778 $1,564 $39
Average $74,070 $6,173 $1,424 $36
25th Percentile $68,990 $5,749 $1,327 $33

Respiratory Therapy Assistant Salary Growth & Career Path

Respiratory Therapy Assistant

Next Role

For a Respiratory Therapy Assistant, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the HBO Technician role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $45,500 - a projected growth of -39% over your current level.

Most common benefits for Respiratory Therapy Assistant

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Respiratory Therapy Assistant

Here are companies hiring for Respiratory Therapy Assistant and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Respiratory Therapy Assistant

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Respiratory Therapy Assistant?

The Healthcare industry offers the highest average compensation for Respiratory Therapy Assistant roles, with salaries approximately 8% above the market median.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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