As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Certified Respiratory Therapist in New Mexico is $68,436 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $33.
However, a Certified Respiratory Therapist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Certified Respiratory Therapist'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.
Experience is a primary driver of a Certified Respiratory Therapist'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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Certified Respiratory Therapist | $66,038 |
| Intermediate Level Certified Respiratory Therapist | $66,256 |
| Senior Level Certified Respiratory Therapist | $68,865 |
| Specialist Level Certified Respiratory Therapist | $71,266 |
| Expert Level Certified Respiratory Therapist | $71,437 |
What Am I Worth?
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 Certified Respiratory Therapists. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Certified Respiratory Therapist salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $72,684. While startup companies pay approximate $61,907.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $61,907 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $65,358 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $70,311 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $72,684 |
For Certified Respiratory Therapist roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Healthcare, offers compensation 20% above the average. Conversely, Certified Respiratory Therapist positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Certified Respiratory Therapist as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $82,123 | $39.0 | 20% |
Understanding how a Certified Respiratory Therapist'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 July 01, 2026For a Certified Respiratory Therapist, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Respiratory Therapy Supervisor role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $88,097 - a projected growth of 29% over your current level.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Certified Respiratory Therapist job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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