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Respiratory Therapist Salary in California

How much does a Respiratory Therapist make in California?

As of October 01, 2026, the average salary for a Respiratory Therapist in California is $80,151 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $39.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $93,108
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $71,909 to $86,933
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $64,405
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Respiratory Therapist Salaries

A 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.

How Experience Level Affects Respiratory Therapist Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a 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:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $76,225
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $76,860
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $79,852
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $82,645
  • Expert (over 8 years): $83,144
Levels Salary
Entry Level Respiratory Therapist$76,225
Intermediate Level Respiratory Therapist$76,860
Senior Level Respiratory Therapist$79,852
Specialist Level Respiratory Therapist$82,645
Expert Level Respiratory Therapist$83,144
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How Do Respiratory Therapist 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 Therapists. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $80,457.
  • California: $80,151.
  • Massachusetts: $79,083.

Top Paying Cities for Respiratory Therapists

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: $80,290
  • West Hollywood: $80,231
  • Dodgertown: $80,289

Respiratory Therapist Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

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

The top paying industry for a Respiratory Therapist

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit$96,182$46.020%

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

Understanding how a 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 October 01, 2026
$71,909
Average $80,151/year
$86,933
$5,992
Average $6,679/month
$7,244
$1,383
Average $1,541/week
$1,672
$35
Average $39/hour
$42
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $86,933 $7,244 $1,672 $42
Average $80,151 $6,679 $1,541 $39
25th Percentile $71,909 $5,992 $1,383 $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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