Average Salary for a Respiratory Therapist in the USA 2025: Pay by Experience Levels, Top States & How to Earn More
In 2025, the salary for a Respiratory Therapist will play a big role in career choices for healthcare workers. Respiratory therapists help patients who have trouble breathing. They work with people who have asthma, lung disease, or need help after surgery. These healthcare workers use special machines and treatments to help patients breathe better.
The job market for respiratory therapists is growing fast. More people need breathing help as they get older. Hospitals need more respiratory therapists every year. This means good job chances and steady pay for new workers.
Knowing your career worth in 2025 helps you make smart money choices. It helps you plan your future and ask for fair pay. Many people wonder how much respiratory therapists make in different states. They want to know how experience changes their pay.
This blog will answer your questions about respiratory therapist pay. We will look at average salaries across the USA. You will learn which states pay the most money. We will show you how experience changes your salary. You will also get tips to earn more money in this field.
We will cover common questions like: Does this salary include taxes? How much do beginners make? What about bonuses and benefits? Which cities pay respiratory therapists the most? How can you increase your earnings?
This guide uses the latest 2025 data from trusted sources. It will help you understand respiratory therapist pay in simple terms.
Average Salary for a Respiratory Therapist in the USA?
$80,450 per year (Average)
The median annual wage for respiratory therapists was $80,450 in May 2024, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). We calculated this average by looking at data from several global salary surveys, government statistics, and major job platforms, including Indeed and PayScale.
PayScale reports an average hourly rate of $32.80 in 2025, which matches the annual figures. US News shows respiratory therapists earned an average of $80,340 in 2023, indicating steady growth in the field.
The current average salary shows a slight increase from last year. This growth comes from higher demand for respiratory therapists and more job openings in hospitals and clinics.
Salary for a Respiratory Therapist Key Metrics 2025
Average salary: $80,450 per year, according to government statistics and multiple USA salary surveys.
Salary range: The lowest 10 percent earned less than $61,900, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $108,820. Entry-level respiratory therapists may earn closer to $59,180 per year, while those with extensive experience can earn upwards of $104,480 annually.
Salary by experience: According to many USA data sources and surveys:
Entry-level respiratory therapists start around $59,000-$62,000 per year.
Mid-level professionals with 3-5 years earn $75,000-$85,000.
Senior respiratory therapists with 10+ years of experience can make $95,000-$108,000 annually.
75th percentile: A respiratory therapist's salary ranges from $33,000 a year at the 10th percentile to $91,000 at the 90th percentile based on national salary survey data.
Similar healthcare professionals also earn competitive wages. Physical therapists and occupational therapists have similar education requirements and salary ranges. Medical technologists and radiologic technologists work in comparable hospital settings with related pay scales.
Salary for a Respiratory Therapist: Regional Comparison
Location makes a big difference in respiratory therapist pay. Cost of living, state laws, and hospital funding all affect salaries. Some states pay much more than others. Big cities often offer higher wages but cost more to live in.
Here's how salaries compare across major U.S. regions:
Data collected from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and state employment departments.
California offers the best value when considering both salary and career growth. The state has many hospitals and growing healthcare needs. New York provides high pay but higher living costs. Washington state offers a good balance between salary and living expenses.
7 Tips to Grow Your Respiratory Therapist Salary
1. Get Advanced Certifications: Earn specialty certifications like Neonatal/Pediatric Specialist (NPS) or Adult Critical Care Specialist (ACCS). According to several salary surveys, certified specialists earn 10-15% more than basic certified therapists.
2. Work in High-Paying States: Move to states like California ($103,060), New York ($98,770), or Alaska ($94,590) for higher wages. These states pay 17-28% above the national average.
3. Gain ICU and Critical Care Experience: Intensive care units pay premium rates for skilled respiratory therapists. Many salary reports show ICU specialists earn $5,000-$10,000 more per year than general floor therapists.
4. Consider Travel Therapy Positions: Travel respiratory therapists earn around $43.00 per hour, which amounts to approximately $89,915 annually. This is $9,000+ above the national average, plus housing benefits.
5. Pursue Leadership Roles: Become a charge therapist, supervisor, or department manager. Government statistics show supervisory roles pay 15-25% more than staff positions. Leadership experience opens doors to higher-paying management jobs.
6. Work Overtime and Holiday Shifts: Overtime pay is typically 1.5 times the hourly wage, meaning experienced RTs can earn $55–$70 per hour for overtime shifts. Holiday and weekend shifts often include shift differentials.
7. Get Your Bachelor's Degree: Many hospitals prefer respiratory therapists with 4-year degrees. Some salary surveys indicate bachelor's degree holders earn 5-8% more than associate degree holders in similar positions.
Healthcare fields like nursing and medical technology offer similar advancement opportunities. Registered nurses and diagnostic medical sonographers follow comparable career paths with specialty certifications and leadership roles.
FAQs About a Respiratory Therapist's Salary
Is the average salary for a respiratory therapist before or after taxes?
The salary figures are gross annual income before taxes. You will pay federal, state, and local taxes on this amount. Take-home pay is usually 70-80% of gross salary.
Does the respiratory therapist's salary include bonuses?
No, the base salary does not include bonuses. Many hospitals offer sign-on bonuses of $1,000-$5,000 for new hires. Annual performance bonuses range from $500-$2,000 based on hospital policies.
How much do entry-level respiratory therapists make?
Entry-level respiratory therapists may earn closer to $59,180 per year, according to healthcare salary surveys. New graduates typically start at the lower end of the pay scale.
Which states pay respiratory therapists the highest salary?
California ($103,060), New York ($98,770), District of Columbia ($95,240), Alaska ($94,590), and Washington ($93,820) are the top-paying states for respiratory therapists.
Do respiratory therapists get paid holidays and vacation time?
Yes, most full-time positions include paid holidays and vacation days. Hospital employees typically get 10-15 paid holidays and 2-4 weeks of vacation time per year.
How does a respiratory therapist's salary compare to other healthcare jobs?
Registered Nurses made $94,480, Diagnostic Medical Sonographers made $89,020, and Radiologic Technologists made $75,250 in 2023. Respiratory therapists earn competitive wages in the healthcare field.
Can respiratory therapists work part-time for good pay?
Yes, many hospitals hire part-time respiratory therapists. Hourly rates range from $30-$50, depending on experience and location. Part-time workers may not get full benefits.
What is the job outlook for respiratory therapist salaries?
Employment of respiratory therapists is projected to grow 13 percent from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations. Strong job growth usually leads to salary increases.
Do respiratory therapists in private practice make more money?
Some experienced therapists work in private clinics or home health agencies. These positions can pay $85,000-$95,000 per year but may have fewer benefits than hospital jobs.
How long does it take to reach the top respiratory therapist salary?
Most therapists reach peak earning potential after 10-15 years of experience. Senior therapists with specializations and leadership skills earn the highest salaries in the field.
All pay information is current as of 2025. Data comes from several global salary surveys and government statistics, 2025.
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