Respiratory therapists Salary in the United States
Median pay, percentile range, and top US metros — official BLS data.
The median salary for Respiratory therapists in the United States is $82,280 per year — about $40 per hour, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Half of all workers in this occupation earn between $74,520 and $98,730 a year.
Salary range
Top US metros for Respiratory therapists
| Metro | Local salary |
|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $149,680 |
| Vallejo, CA | $136,200 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | $134,430 |
| Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA | $134,880 |
| Binghamton, NY | $103,200 |
| Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA | $123,220 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA | $130,220 |
| Rome, GA | $98,720 |
| Reno, NV | $105,140 |
| Rochester, MN | $98,700 |
Frequently asked questions
How much do Respiratory therapists make in the US?
The median salary is $82,280 per year (about $40 per hour), according to BLS data. The middle 50% of workers earn between $74,520 and $98,730 a year.
How much do Respiratory therapists make per hour?
About $40 per hour, based on the median annual salary of $82,280 for full-time work (2,080 hours per year).
What education do you need to work as Respiratory therapists?
Typical entry-level education: Associate's degree, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Do these salary figures include bonuses or overtime?
No. BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics reflect base wages only — they exclude overtime pay, bonuses, and most benefits.
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