If you're searching for a career that blends advanced technology with direct patient care and offers strong financial stability, becoming a Respiratory Therapist is an outstanding choice. This vital healthcare profession not only provides immense personal satisfaction but also boasts a competitive salary and a robust job market. So, what can you expect to earn?
On average, respiratory therapists in the United States earn a median salary of nearly $78,000 per year, with top earners exceeding $100,000. However, that number is just the beginning. Your specific earning potential is shaped by a variety of key factors, from your location and experience to your chosen specialty.
This guide will break down everything you need to know about a respiratory therapist's salary, the factors that influence it, and the bright future of this in-demand profession.
What Does a Respiratory Therapist Do?
First, it's important to clarify the terminology. While the term "respiratory tech" is sometimes used, the formal, credentialed title for this role is Respiratory Therapist (RT). RTs are specialized healthcare practitioners who work with patients suffering from heart and lung diseases. They are the experts in cardiopulmonary care.
Their responsibilities are critical and diverse, including:
- Managing life-support ventilators for critically ill patients in the ICU.
- Administering breathing treatments and medications to patients with asthma or COPD.
- Performing diagnostic tests, such as measuring lung capacity (Pulmonary Function Testing).
- Responding to emergency situations like cardiac arrest or breathing failure as part of a rapid response team.
- Educating patients and their families on managing chronic respiratory conditions.
RTs are essential members of the healthcare team, working in hospitals, clinics, and home care settings to help people breathe easier.
Average Respiratory Therapist Salary
According to the most recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook, the median annual wage for respiratory therapists was $77,960 in May 2023. A median salary means that half of all RTs earned more than this amount, and half earned less.
However, a single number doesn't tell the whole story. The salary range is quite broad:
- The lowest 10% earned less than $59,510.
- The highest 10% earned more than $107,370.
Reputable salary aggregators provide a similar picture. For instance, Salary.com reports the average U.S. salary for a Respiratory Therapist is around $78,202 as of May 2024, with a typical range falling between $70,119 and $85,979. This range highlights how factors like experience and location can significantly impact your take-home pay.
Key Factors That Influence Salary
Your salary as an RT is not static. It’s a dynamic figure influenced by your professional choices and credentials. Here are the five most significant factors that determine your earning potential.
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Level of Education
To become an RT, you must earn at least an Associate of Science (AS) degree from an accredited respiratory care program. Upon graduation, you must pass an exam to earn the Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) credential. However, the industry standard and key to higher earnings is the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential, which requires passing a more rigorous set of exams. Most employers prefer or require the RRT credential, and it directly translates to a higher starting salary and more job opportunities.
While an associate degree is the minimum, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy (BSRT) can unlock doors to leadership, education, and advanced clinical roles, which come with higher pay. A master's degree can lead to positions in department management, research, or as a program director at a university, offering the highest earning potential in the field.
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Years of Experience
Like most professions, experience is a primary driver of salary growth. As you gain hands-on skills and demonstrate your expertise, your value to employers increases.
Based on data aggregated by Payscale, the salary progression for an RT looks something like this:
- Entry-Level (0-1 years): An RT just starting their career can expect to earn closer to the lower end of the national range.
- Mid-Career (5-9 years): With solid experience, RTs see a significant salary increase, often moving well above the national median.
- Experienced (10-19 years): RTs at this level are highly valued for their deep clinical knowledge and often take on senior or specialized roles.
- Late-Career (20+ years): Seasoned professionals with decades of experience, especially those in management or highly specialized fields, command the highest salaries in the profession.
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Geographic Location
Where you work matters—a lot. Salaries can vary dramatically between states and even between metropolitan and rural areas within the same state. This difference is often tied to local demand and the cost of living.
According to BLS data from May 2023, the top-paying states for respiratory therapists are:
1. California: $103,130 (average annual mean wage)
2. New York: $96,060
3. District of Columbia: $94,560
4. Washington: $94,400
5. Hawaii: $93,020
It's crucial to balance a high salary with the cost of living. A $90,000 salary in New York City may not go as far as an $80,000 salary in a city with a lower cost of living, like Houston, Texas.
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Company Type
Respiratory therapists work in various healthcare settings, and the type of facility you work for directly impacts your pay. The BLS identifies the top employers and their average salaries:
- General Medical and Surgical Hospitals: This is the largest employer of RTs and offers competitive salaries, often with shift differentials for nights and weekends.
- Physician Offices: Salaries can be slightly lower here but often come with more regular business hours.
- Skilled Nursing Facilities (Long-Term Care): These facilities have a growing need for RTs to manage residents with chronic conditions.
- Outpatient Care Centers: These centers offer competitive wages for RTs specializing in diagnostics like Pulmonary Function Testing.
- Home Health Care Services: This sector is growing, but salaries can vary widely based on the company and patient load.
Generally, hospitals, especially large, urban medical centers, tend to offer the highest base salaries and best benefits packages due to the high-acuity patients and 24/7 operational needs.
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Area of Specialization
Within respiratory care, you can specialize in specific patient populations or procedures. Earning advanced certifications in these areas makes you a more valuable asset and can lead to a significant pay bump.
Popular specializations include:
- Adult Critical Care (ACCS): Working with the most critical patients in the ICU often comes with higher pay due to the complexity and stress of the role.
- Neonatal/Pediatric Specialist (NPS): Caring for premature infants and children with respiratory issues is a highly sought-after skill that can command a premium salary.
- Sleep Disorders Specialist (SDS): RTs who work in sleep labs performing and scoring polysomnography tests are in high demand.
- Pulmonary Function Technologist (RPFT): Specializing in advanced diagnostic testing is a valuable and well-compensated niche.
Job Outlook
The future for respiratory therapists is exceptionally bright. 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 rapid growth is driven by several factors, including:
- The aging of the large baby-boomer population, leading to an increased incidence of respiratory conditions like COPD and pneumonia.
- The ongoing prevalence of asthma and other chronic respiratory diseases.
- The vital role RTs play in emergency and critical care medicine.
This high demand creates strong job security and contributes to the profession's competitive salary structure.
Conclusion
A career as a respiratory therapist is a path to a stable, rewarding, and financially secure future. With a median salary approaching $80,000 and a job outlook growing much faster than average, the return on your educational investment is clear.
While national averages provide a great baseline, your earning potential is ultimately in your hands. By pursuing the RRT credential, gaining experience, choosing a strategic location, and developing a specialization, you can build a career that is not only professionally fulfilling but also financially prosperous. If you are passionate about helping others and are looking for a high-demand role in healthcare, the field of respiratory therapy is waiting for you.