Respiratory Therapist Salary Overview
The Respiratory Therapist is a sought-after profession in the United States with a median annual salary of $66,870. Compensation typically ranges from $40,800 for entry-level positions to $95,800 for experienced professionals in high-demand markets.Salary Range: The typical Respiratory Therapist in the US earns between $40,800 and $95,800 per year, with a median of $66,870.
Respiratory Therapist Salary by Experience
Entry-level respiratory therapists earn around $43,466, while those with 10+ years of experience can earn $90,274 or more.
| Level | Salary | Hourly | Take-Home |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | $46,140 | $22/hr | $38,053 |
| Mid | $66,870 | $32/hr | $52,981 |
| Senior | $84,256 | $41/hr | $63,687 |
| Lead | $104,317 | $50/hr | $75,934 |
Respiratory Therapist Salary by State (After Tax)
Gross salary, federal tax, state tax, and estimated take-home pay for a Respiratory Therapist in each US state.
Pay for respiratory therapists varies significantly by state, with coastal and high-cost-of-living areas generally offering higher salaries to offset expenses.
| State | Gross | Federal | State Tax | FICA | Take-Home | Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $66,870 | $6,325 | $3,178 | $5,116 | $52,251 | 21.9% |
| Alaska | $66,870 | $6,325 | $0 | $5,116 | $55,429 | 17.1% |
| Arizona | $66,870 | $6,325 | $1,307 | $5,116 | $54,122 | 19.1% |
| Arkansas | $66,870 | $6,325 | $2,716 | $5,116 | $52,713 | 21.2% |
| California | $66,870 | $6,325 | $2,448 | $5,116 | $52,981 | 20.8% |
| Colorado | $66,870 | $6,325 | $2,282 | $5,116 | $53,147 | 20.5% |
| Connecticut | $66,870 | $6,325 | $2,928 | $5,116 | $52,501 | 21.5% |
| Delaware | $66,870 | $6,325 | $3,182 | $5,116 | $52,247 | 21.9% |
| District of Columbia | $66,870 | $6,325 | $2,998 | $5,116 | $52,432 | 21.6% |
| Florida | $66,870 | $6,325 | $0 | $5,116 | $55,429 | 17.1% |
| Georgia | $66,870 | $6,325 | $3,012 | $5,116 | $52,417 | 21.6% |
| Hawaii | $66,870 | $6,325 | $4,589 | $5,116 | $50,840 | 24.0% |
| Idaho | $66,870 | $6,325 | $3,032 | $5,116 | $52,397 | 21.6% |
| Illinois | $66,870 | $6,325 | $3,173 | $5,116 | $52,256 | 21.9% |
| Indiana | $66,870 | $6,325 | $2,040 | $5,116 | $53,390 | 20.2% |
| Iowa | $66,870 | $6,325 | $2,541 | $5,116 | $52,888 | 20.9% |
| Kansas | $66,870 | $6,325 | $3,155 | $5,116 | $52,274 | 21.8% |
| Kentucky | $66,870 | $6,325 | $2,548 | $5,116 | $52,881 | 20.9% |
| Louisiana | $66,870 | $6,325 | $2,261 | $5,116 | $53,168 | 20.5% |
| Maine | $66,870 | $6,325 | $3,281 | $5,116 | $52,148 | 22.0% |
| Maryland | $66,870 | $6,325 | $3,003 | $5,116 | $52,426 | 21.6% |
| Massachusetts | $66,870 | $6,325 | $3,124 | $5,116 | $52,306 | 21.8% |
| Michigan | $66,870 | $6,325 | $2,604 | $5,116 | $52,825 | 21.0% |
| Minnesota | $66,870 | $6,325 | $3,097 | $5,116 | $52,332 | 21.7% |
| Mississippi | $66,870 | $6,325 | $2,565 | $5,116 | $52,864 | 20.9% |
| Missouri | $66,870 | $6,325 | $2,339 | $5,116 | $53,090 | 20.6% |
| Montana | $66,870 | $6,325 | $2,838 | $5,116 | $52,591 | 21.4% |
| Nebraska | $66,870 | $6,325 | $2,385 | $5,116 | $53,044 | 20.7% |
| Nevada | $66,870 | $6,325 | $0 | $5,116 | $55,429 | 17.1% |
| New Hampshire | $66,870 | $6,325 | $0 | $5,116 | $55,429 | 17.1% |
| New Jersey | $66,870 | $6,325 | $2,202 | $5,116 | $53,227 | 20.4% |
| New Mexico | $66,870 | $6,325 | $2,282 | $5,116 | $53,147 | 20.5% |
| New York | $66,870 | $6,325 | $3,230 | $5,116 | $52,199 | 21.9% |
| North Carolina | $66,870 | $6,325 | $2,435 | $5,116 | $52,994 | 20.8% |
| North Dakota | $66,870 | $6,325 | $1,019 | $5,116 | $54,410 | 18.6% |
| Ohio | $66,870 | $6,325 | $1,121 | $5,116 | $54,309 | 18.8% |
| Oklahoma | $66,870 | $6,325 | $2,686 | $5,116 | $52,743 | 21.1% |
| Oregon | $66,870 | $6,325 | $5,326 | $5,116 | $50,103 | 25.1% |
| Pennsylvania | $66,870 | $6,325 | $2,053 | $5,116 | $53,376 | 20.2% |
| Rhode Island | $66,870 | $6,325 | $2,112 | $5,116 | $53,317 | 20.3% |
| South Carolina | $66,870 | $6,325 | $2,652 | $5,116 | $52,777 | 21.1% |
| South Dakota | $66,870 | $6,325 | $0 | $5,116 | $55,429 | 17.1% |
| Tennessee | $66,870 | $6,325 | $0 | $5,116 | $55,429 | 17.1% |
| Texas | $66,870 | $6,325 | $0 | $5,116 | $55,429 | 17.1% |
| Utah | $66,870 | $6,325 | $3,109 | $5,116 | $52,320 | 21.8% |
| Vermont | $66,870 | $6,325 | $2,473 | $5,116 | $52,956 | 20.8% |
| Virginia | $66,870 | $6,325 | $3,329 | $5,116 | $52,100 | 22.1% |
| Washington | $66,870 | $6,325 | $0 | $5,116 | $55,429 | 17.1% |
| West Virginia | $66,870 | $6,325 | $2,535 | $5,116 | $52,894 | 20.9% |
| Wisconsin | $66,870 | $6,325 | $2,456 | $5,116 | $52,973 | 20.8% |
| Wyoming | $66,870 | $6,325 | $0 | $5,116 | $55,429 | 17.1% |
Top Cities for Respiratory Therapist Pay
The highest-paying metro areas for respiratory therapists tend to be major metropolitan centers with strong industry demand and higher costs of living.
| City | Avg Salary |
|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $73,557 |
| New York, NY | $73,557 |
| Anchorage, AK | $73,557 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $73,557 |
| Hartford, CT | $73,557 |
Calculate Respiratory Therapist Take-Home Pay
Adjust the state and filing status to see your estimated after-tax income.
Estimated Take-Home Pay
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Tax Breakdown
Federal Income Tax
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Tax Distribution
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Pay Frequency Breakdown
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How to Become a Respiratory Therapist
Becoming a respiratory therapist typically requires relevant education, training, or certification in the field. Many employers also value practical experience, professional development, and industry-specific credentials.Respiratory Therapist Career Outlook
Employment of respiratory therapists is projected to grow steadily over the next decade, driven by continued demand across industries. Professionals who stay current with evolving requirements and build specialized expertise will find the strongest job prospects.Respiratory Therapist Salary FAQ
The median annual salary for respiratory therapists in the US is $66,870, with a typical range from $40,800 to $95,800 depending on experience and location.
The highest-paying states for respiratory therapists include CA, AK, NY. These states typically have strong demand and higher costs of living.
Entry-level respiratory therapists can expect to earn around $43,466 per year, with salary increasing as they gain experience and expertise.
Being a respiratory therapist can be a rewarding career with solid compensation and growth potential. Job outlook is generally positive across most regions.
The median hourly rate for respiratory therapists is approximately $32.15, though this varies based on experience, location, and employer.