How Much Does a Respiratory Terapist make?

Respiratory Terapist made a median salary around $85,362 in April, 2025. The best-paid 25 percent made $92,870 probably that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made around $77,750. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
Check out Respiratory Terapist jobs in New Jersey

Respiratory Therapist

St. Cloud Hospital - SAINT CLOUD, MN

Respiratory Therapist

St. Cloud Hospital - SAINT CLOUD, MN

Respiratory Therapist

United Health Services - JOHNSON CITY, NY

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Best-Paying Cities for Respiratory Terapist

The metropolitan areas that pay the highest salary in the Respiratory Terapist profession are Secaucus , Union City , Weehawken , West New York , Cliffside Park .
Secaucus, NJ $91,268
Union City, NJ $91,268
Weehawken, NJ $91,268
West New York, NJ $91,268
Cliffside Park, NJ $91,268

Best-Paying States for Respiratory Terapist

The states and districts that pay Respiratory Terapist the highest salary are District of Columbia (around $87,197) , California (around $86,866) , Massachusetts (around $85,708) , Washington (around $85,393) , and New Jersey (around $85,362) .
District of Columbia $87,197
California $86,866
Massachusetts $85,708
Washington $85,393
New Jersey $85,362

What is the Career Path of Respiratory Terapist?

A career path is a sequence of jobs that leads to your short- and long-term career goals. Some follow a linear career path within one field, while others change fields periodically to achieve career or personal goals.

For Respiratory Terapist, the first career path typically progresses to Hyperbaric Technician.

Additionally, the second career path typically starts with a Respiratory Therapy Supervisor position , and then progresses to Respiratory Care Manager.

Besides, Respiratory Terapist can also turn to other related jobs, including Respiratory Manager , Respiratory Educator , Respiratory Specialist and Respiratory Technician .

Frequently Asked Questions for Respiratory Terapist

Q: What is the salary range of Respiratory Terapist in New Jersey?
A: In 2025 , the lowest-paid Respiratory Terapist in New Jersey earned an average annual salary of $77,750 , while the highest-paid made $92,870.
Q: What is the salary for a Respiratory Terapist in California?
A: Respiratory Terapist employed in California earned an average salary of $86,866 in 2025.

Average Respiratory Terapist Pay vs. Other Jobs

Respiratory Terapist earned an average salary of $85,362 in 2025. Other jobs related to Respiratory Terapist earned the following average salary in April, 2025. Respiratory Manager made $116,133 , Respiratory Educator made $96,747 , Respiratory Specialist and Respiratory Technician made $79,375 and $85,362 respectively .

Relevant Jobs of Respiratory Terapist

Respiratory Manager - Average Salary $116,133
There is currently no job description for Respiratory Manager, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Respiratory Manager.
Respiratory Educator - Average Salary $96,747
There is currently no job description for Respiratory Educator, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Respiratory Educator.
Respiratory Specialist - Average Salary $79,375
There is currently no job description for Respiratory Specialist, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Respiratory Specialist.
Respiratory Technician - Average Salary $85,362
There is currently no job description for Respiratory Technician, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Respiratory Technician.
Respiratory Therapist - Average Salary $85,362
There is currently no job description for Respiratory Therapist, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Respiratory Therapist.