Considering a career where you can make a tangible difference in people's lives while earning a competitive and stable income? A career as a pulmonary therapist—more formally known as a respiratory therapist—might be the perfect fit. This vital healthcare role is not only in high demand but also offers significant financial rewards.
With a median annual salary approaching $80,000 and a robust job outlook, becoming a pulmonary therapist is a professionally and financially sound decision. This guide will break down everything you need to know about your potential earnings, from average national salaries to the key factors that can help you maximize your income.
What Does a Pulmonary Therapist Do?
Before diving into the numbers, it's important to understand the role. Pulmonary therapists, or respiratory therapists (RTs), are highly skilled healthcare professionals who assess, treat, and care for patients with breathing and cardiopulmonary disorders. Their responsibilities are critical and diverse, often including:
- Diagnosing lung and breathing problems through patient interviews and diagnostic tests.
- Developing and managing patient treatment plans.
- Administering a wide range of therapies, from oxygen to aerosolized medications.
- Managing life-support equipment like mechanical ventilators.
- Responding to emergency situations as part of a rapid response or code team.
- Educating patients and their families on managing chronic conditions like asthma or COPD.
They are essential members of the healthcare team, working everywhere from intensive care units and emergency rooms to neonatal units and outpatient clinics.
Average Pulmonary Therapist Salary
According to the most recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for respiratory therapists was $77,960 as of May 2023. This figure represents the midpoint—half of all RTs earned more than this, and half earned less.
However, a single number doesn't tell the whole story. The salary range for a pulmonary therapist is quite broad, reflecting differences in experience, location, and specialization.
- The lowest 10% of earners, likely representing entry-level positions, made less than $59,570.
- The highest 10% of earners, typically senior-level therapists with specializations, earned more than $109,210.
Reputable salary aggregators provide similar data, reinforcing this range. For instance, Salary.com reports that the typical salary range for a Respiratory Therapist in the U.S. falls between $72,056 and $86,647, with a median of around $79,500. This data confirms that a career in respiratory therapy is a financially rewarding path with strong earning potential.
Key Factors That Influence Salary
Your specific salary as a pulmonary therapist will depend on several key factors. Understanding these variables can help you strategically plan your career to maximize your earning potential.
### Level of Education
While an Associate of Science (AS) in Respiratory Therapy is the standard requirement for entry-level practice and licensure, pursuing a higher degree can unlock doors to higher pay. Therapists with a Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy (BSRT) or a Master's degree are often qualified for roles in leadership, management, clinical education, or research—all of which typically command higher salaries than purely clinical positions.
### Years of Experience
Experience is one of the most significant drivers of salary growth in this field. As you gain more hands-on skills, clinical judgment, and expertise, your value to employers increases substantially. Payscale.com provides a clear breakdown of how salary progresses with experience:
- Entry-Level (Less than 1 year of experience): An average starting salary of around $60,000.
- Early Career (1-4 years of experience): An average salary that grows to the mid-$60,000s.
- Mid-Career (5-9 years of experience): An average salary that moves into the low-to-mid $70,000s.
- Experienced (10+ years of experience): Therapists with a decade or more of experience can command average salaries well over $80,000, with many earning in the high five and even six figures.
### Geographic Location
Where you work matters—a lot. Salaries can vary dramatically based on state and metropolitan area due to differences in demand, cost of living, and the prevalence of major medical centers. According to BLS data, the top-paying states for respiratory therapists are:
- California: $105,170 (average annual salary)
- Washington: $96,060
- New York: $95,780
- Hawaii: $93,480
- New Jersey: $91,950
Conversely, states in the South and parts of the Midwest tend to have salaries closer to or below the national median. However, it's crucial to weigh these higher salaries against the higher cost of living in those areas.
### Company Type
The type of facility you work in also impacts your paycheck. The BLS reports the following median annual wages by employer type:
- Hospitals (state, local, and private): $78,390
- Skilled Nursing Facilities: $76,710
- Offices of Physicians: $73,500
- Rental of medical equipment: $69,380
Working in a large, fast-paced hospital, particularly in a critical care setting, often yields the highest salaries due to the complexity and acuity of the patient care involved.
### Area of Specialization
Obtaining advanced certifications from the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) is a proven way to increase your salary and career opportunities. While the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential is the industry standard, pursuing specialized credentials demonstrates advanced expertise and can lead to higher-paying roles. Key specializations include:
- Adult Critical Care Specialist (ACCS): For therapists working in adult ICUs.
- Neonatal/Pediatric Specialist (NPS): For those specializing in the care of newborns and children.
- Sleep Disorders Specialist (SDS): For therapists working in sleep labs to diagnose and treat conditions like sleep apnea.
Therapists with these advanced credentials are often the highest earners in the field.
Job Outlook
The career outlook for pulmonary therapists is exceptionally strong. The BLS projects that employment for respiratory therapists will grow by 13% from 2022 to 2032, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.
This robust growth is driven by several factors, including the aging of the baby-boomer population, which will lead to an increased incidence of chronic respiratory conditions like COPD and pneumonia. Furthermore, ongoing advances in the treatment of respiratory illnesses and a greater awareness of the importance of respiratory health will continue to fuel demand for these skilled professionals.
Conclusion
A career as a pulmonary or respiratory therapist is an outstanding choice for individuals seeking a rewarding, stable, and well-compensated path in healthcare. With a strong national median salary, excellent projected job growth, and clear pathways to increase your earnings through experience, education, and specialization, you have significant control over your professional and financial future. If you are passionate about helping others and are looking for a career that offers both purpose and prosperity, the field of respiratory therapy is waiting for you.