If you’re looking for the answer to any of these questions, you’re in the right place. In this article, we’ve provided details about the salary of a Respiratory Therapist and how it differs from state to state. So, if you’re ready, let’s get started.
What is a Respiratory Therapist?
A Respiratory Therapist is a medical professional who provides therapeutic treatments and carries out diagnostic procedures, among many other high-skill activities. Moreover, Respiratory Therapists are in charge of taking care of patients who are receiving mechanical ventilation (life support), so it’s no wonder that a Respiratory Therapist should earn a hefty salary.
The good news is, a Respiratory Therapist does get paid relatively well. But how much exactly do they earn?
How Much Does a Respiratory Therapist Make?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, average salary for a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) in the United States in 2021 is:
$62,810
With that said, on average, most Respiratory Therapist’s earn between $54,000 and $75,000. There are, of course, outliers in either direction. Some may earn more, and some may earn less. This range is just the average median salary.
Keep in mind that there are several factors to consider that determine the salary of a Respiratory Therapist.
What Influences the Salary of a Respiratory Therapist?
The earning potential of a Respiratory Therapist depends on qualification, experience, location, and type of employer.
So, if you’re looking to get paid as a respiratory therapist, you must undergo the necessary training and obtain the relevant qualifications. Speaking of qualifications, the minimum requirement for the job is a two-year associate degree from an accredited educational program.
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Does Location Affect the Salary of a Respiratory Therapist?
To give a brief answer to this question:
Absolutely!
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There are also states that earn significantly less than the average as well. Such states include Alabama, West Virginia, Kentucky, North Dakota, Iowa, and Mississippi.
We will discuss the salaries of the remaining states below, so keep reading.
What are the Highest Paying States for Respiratory Therapists?
As it turns out, location is the biggest variable that influences the salary and wages of a Respiratory Therapist. Sure, there are other factors that come into play such as experience.
However, on a broad scale, the area in which you live and work makes all the difference.
Here is a list of the highest and lowest-paying states to work as a Respiratory Therapist, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Highest Paying States to Work as a Respiratory Therapist:
| State | Average Salary |
| California | $85,620 |
| New York | $80,400 |
| Hawaii | $77,310 |
| Nevada | $75,670 |
| Massachusetts | $75,650 |
As you can see, California offers the highest wages for Respiratory Therapists with New York, Hawaii, Nevada, and Massachusetts offering higher salaries on average as well.
Lowest Paying States to Work as a Respiratory Therapist:
| State | Average Salary |
| Kentucky | $50,300 |
| Alabama | $50,790 |
| Mississippi | $50,990 |
| West Virginia | $51,250 |
| South Dakota | $52,870 |
Respiratory Therapist Salary Listed by State:
| State | Average Salary |
| Alabama | $50,790 |
| Alaska | $74,380 |
| Arizona | $60,220 |
| Arkansas | $55,480 |
| California | $85,620 |
| Colorado | $65,690 |
| Connecticut | $71,450 |
| District of Columbia | $81,470 |
| Delaware | $67,040 |
| Florida | $59,580 |
| Georgia | $57,380 |
| Hawaii | $77,310 |
| Idaho | $59,780 |
| Illinois | $60,160 |
| Indiana | $59,270 |
| Iowa | $55,480 |
| Kansas | $58,040 |
| Kentucky | $50,300 |
| Louisiana | $55,650 |
| Maine | $61,050 |
| Maryland | $69,920 |
| Massachusetts | $75,650 |
| Michigan | $59,920 |
| Minnesota | $71,280 |
| Mississippi | $50,990 |
| Missouri | $56,520 |
| Montana | $59,480 |
| Nebraska | $58,960 |
| Nevada | $75,670 |
| New Hampshire | $70,800 |
| New Jersey | $74,590 |
| New Mexico | $58,020 |
| New York | $80,400 |
| North Carolina | $59,040 |
| North Dakota | $61,570 |
| Ohio | $59,380 |
| Oklahoma | $57,940 |
| Oregon | $72,200 |
| Pennsylvania | $58,570 |
| Rhode Island | $67,890 |
| South Carolina | $58,860 |
| South Dakota | $52,870 |
| Tennessee | $53,570 |
| Texas | $60,590 |
| Utah | $62,610 |
| Vermont | $63,630 |
| Virginia | $62,080 |
| Washington | $74,850 |
| West Virginia | $51,250 |
| Wisconsin | $65,940 |
| Wyoming | $60,290 |
Are There Job Opportunities in the Field of Respiratory Therapy?
The healthcare industry has grown significantly over recent years. All signs point to the continuance of this trend for years to come.
As the entire industry continues to expand, naturally, the field of respiratory care and the need for Respiratory Therapist with grow along with it.
In fact, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the field of respiratory care is growing at a much faster rate than the average career.
Final Thoughts
As we covered throughout this article, the wages and salary of a Respiratory Therapist vary widely depending on the state in which you live.
This is definitely something to consider before entering the field of respiratory care. Thanks for reading and, as always, breathe easy my friend.
References
The following are the sources that were used while doing research for this article:
- “Respiratory Therapists : Occupational Outlook Handbook: : U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 10 Apr. 2020, www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/respiratory-therapists.htm.
- “Respiratory Therapists.” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 9 Sept. 2008, www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes291126.htm.
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