How Much Does a Respiratory Therapist make?

Respiratory Therapist made a median salary around $72,426 in December, 2024. The best-paid 25 percent made $78,796 probably that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made around $65,970. 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.
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Best-Paying Cities for Respiratory Therapist

The metropolitan areas that pay the highest salary in the Respiratory Therapist profession are Scottdale , Smyrna , Tucker , Atlanta , Avondale Estates .
Scottdale, GA $76,655
Smyrna, GA $76,655
Tucker, GA $76,655
Atlanta, GA $76,655
Avondale Estates, GA $76,655

Best-Paying States for Respiratory Therapist

The states and districts that pay Respiratory Therapist the highest salary are District of Columbia (around $87,147) , California (around $86,364) , New Jersey (around $85,816) , Alaska (around $85,267) , and Massachusetts (around $85,189) .
District of Columbia $87,147
California $86,364
New Jersey $85,816
Alaska $85,267
Massachusetts $85,189

What is the Career Path of Respiratory Therapist?

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 Therapist, 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.

Frequently Asked Questions for Respiratory Therapist

Q: What is the salary range of Respiratory Therapist in Augusta, GA?
A: In 2024 , the lowest-paid Respiratory Therapist in Augusta, GA earned an average annual salary of $65,970 , while the highest-paid made $78,796.
Q: What is the salary for a Respiratory Therapist in California?
A: Respiratory Therapist employed in California earned an average salary of $86,364 in 2024.

Average Respiratory Therapist Pay vs. Other Jobs

Respiratory Therapist earned an average salary of $72,426 in 2024. Other jobs related to Respiratory Therapist earned the following average salary in December, 2024. Registered Respiratory Therapist made $71,958 , Certified Respiratory Therapist made $66,915 , Respiratory Care Therapist and Respiratory Therapist Assistant made $66,920 and $54,654 respectively .

Relevant Jobs of Respiratory Therapist

Registered Respiratory Therapist - Average Salary $71,958
Registered Respiratory Therapist assists in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of patients with pulmonary disorders. Collects and analyzes sputum, blood, and breath specimens to determine levels of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and other gases. Being a Registered Respiratory Therapist also measures the lung capacity of a patient to determine if there is impaired function. Administers treatment prescribed by a physician for the care of patients with abnormalities associated with the process of breathing. Additionally, Registered Respiratory Therapist assumes primary responsibility for respiratory care treatments, including oversight of respiratory therapy technicians. Requires an associate degree. Requires Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) certification. Requires State License to Practice. Typically reports to a manager. Registered Respiratory Therapist's years of experience requirement may be unspecified. Certification and/or licensing in the position's specialty is the main requirement.
Certified Respiratory Therapist - Average Salary $66,915
Certified Respiratory Therapist assists in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of patients with pulmonary disorders. Collects and analyzes sputum, blood, and breath specimens to determine levels of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and other gases. Being a Certified Respiratory Therapist also measures the lung capacity of a patient to determine if there is an impairment. Requires an associate degree and a credential of Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT). Additionally, Certified Respiratory Therapist may be expected to maintain a CPR certification. Typically reports to a manager. Certified Respiratory Therapist's years of experience requirement may be unspecified. Certification and/or licensing in the position's specialty is the main requirement.
Respiratory Care Therapist - Average Salary $66,920
The Respiratory Care Therapist collects and analyzes sputum, blood, and breath specimens to determine levels of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and other gases. Assists in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of patients with pulmonary disorders. Being a Respiratory Care Therapist requires an associate's degree and a credential of Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT). Also measures the lung capacity of a patient to determine if there is an impairment. In addition, Respiratory Care Therapist may be expected to maintain a CPR certification. Typically reports to a manager. Respiratory Care Therapist's years of experience requirement may be unspecified. Certification and/or licensing in the position's specialty is the main requirement.
Respiratory Therapist Assistant - Average Salary $54,654
A respiratory therapist is a specialized healthcare practitioner trained in pulmonary medicine in order to work therapeutically with people suffering from pulmonary disease. Respiratory therapists graduate from a community college or university with a certification in respiratory therapy and have passed a national board certifying examination. The NBRC (National Board for Respiratory Care) is the not-for-profit organization responsible for credentionaling the seven areas of Respiratory Therapy. Those seven areas of Respiratory Therapy include, as of December 2017: CRT (Certified Respiratory Therapist), RRT (Registered Respiratory Therapist), CPFT and RPFT (Certified or Registered Pulmonary Function Technologist), ACCS (Adult Critical Care Specialist), NPS (Neonatal/Pediatric Specialist), and SDS (Sleep Disorder Specialist). Respiratory therapists work in hospitals in the intensive care units (Adult, Pediatric, and Neonatal), on hospital floors, in Emergency Departments, in Pulmonay Functioning laboratories (PFTs), are able to intubate patients, work in sleep labs (polysomnograpy) (PSG) labs, and in home care specifically DME (Durable Medical Equipment) and home oxygen.
Pediatric Respiratory Therapist - Average Salary $80,163
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