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Respiratory Technician Salary in California

How much does a Respiratory Technician make in California?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Respiratory Technician in California is $80,372 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $39.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $93,364
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $72,108 to $87,173
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $64,584
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Respiratory Technician Salaries

A Respiratory Technician'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 Technician Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Respiratory Technician'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): $76,435
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $77,072
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $80,072
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $82,872
  • Expert (over 8 years): $83,372
Levels Salary
Entry Level Respiratory Technician$76,435
Intermediate Level Respiratory Technician$77,072
Senior Level Respiratory Technician$80,072
Specialist Level Respiratory Technician$82,872
Expert Level Respiratory Technician$83,372
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How Do Respiratory Technician 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 Technicians. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $80,678.
  • California: $80,372.
  • Massachusetts: $79,301.

Top Paying Cities for Respiratory Technicians

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:

  • Los Angeles: $80,510
  • West Hollywood: $80,452
  • Dodgertown: $80,509

Respiratory Technician Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Respiratory Technician 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, Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit, offers compensation 20% above the average. Conversely, Respiratory Technician positions in Healthcare typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Respiratory Technician as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for a Respiratory Technician

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit$96,446$46.020%

Respiratory Technician Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Respiratory Technician'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
$72,108
Average $80,372/year
$87,173
$6,009
Average $6,698/month
$7,264
$1,387
Average $1,546/week
$1,676
$35
Average $39/hour
$42
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $87,173 $7,264 $1,676 $42
Average $80,372 $6,698 $1,546 $39
25th Percentile $72,108 $6,009 $1,387 $35

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Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

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