Average Respiratory Therapists Salary in Birmingham, AL
Respiratory Therapists in Birmingham, AL, earn an average annual salary of $65,090. This figure is notably below the national average of $84,540, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially a different healthcare cost structure influence compensation in this region. While the nominal salary may seem lower, understanding the local economic context is crucial.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $65,090 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $79,350.
- Outlook: Birmingham's respiratory therapy job market appears robust, evidenced by a local workforce of 740 professionals. The location quotient of 1.61 indicates a higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting a sustained demand for respiratory care services within the city and its surrounding areas. This concentration points to a stable job market for skilled respiratory therapists.
Salary Overview
The average Respiratory Therapists in Birmingham, AL earns-23.0%below the national average.
$31.3
$1,252
$5,424
Respiratory Therapists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Birmingham is not provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Respiratory Therapists have seen gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as increasing healthcare needs, technological advancements in respiratory care, and inflation likely contribute to a steady upward trajectory in compensation for these essential healthcare professionals.
Respiratory Therapists Salary Distribution in Birmingham, AL
Salary progression for Respiratory Therapists in Birmingham typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and advanced certifications can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify career progression opportunities, rewarding accumulated expertise and responsibility.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $49,120 | $23.6 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $48,818 | $23.5 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $65,130 | $31.3 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $81,363 | $39.1 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $79,350 | $38.1 |
Detailed Respiratory Therapists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$65,090
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$65,090
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $65,090 in Birmingham aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Respiratory Therapist's salary in Birmingham is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial standing relative to the cost of goods and services.
Job Market Context
740
Total Jobs
1.42
Per 1K Jobs
1.61
Location Quotient
Birmingham, AL has 1.6x the national concentration of Respiratory Therapists jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
With a location quotient of 1.61, Birmingham demonstrates a significantly higher concentration of Respiratory Therapists than the national average. This suggests a strong local demand for these professionals, potentially leading to more job opportunities and a competitive market where employers seek experienced candidates. The abundance of roles relative to the national benchmark is a positive indicator for job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Respiratory Therapists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Tuscaloosa, AL Respiratory Therapists Salary | $58,170↓ 11% | 47 mi |
| Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area Respiratory Therapists Salary | $57,430↓ 12% | 50 mi |
| Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area Respiratory Therapists Salary | $57,610↓ 11% | 50 mi |
| Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area Respiratory Therapists Salary | $56,630↓ 13% | 50 mi |
| Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area Respiratory Therapists Salary | $59,690↓ 8% | 50 mi |
Comparing salaries near Birmingham, AL
Hiring Respiratory Therapistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Respiratory Therapists make in Birmingham, AL?
The median annual salary for a Respiratory Therapists in Birmingham, AL is $65,090. This typically ranges from $49,120 for entry-level positions to $79,350 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Birmingham, AL is 23.0% lower than the national median of $84,540.
Is Birmingham, AL a lucrative place for Respiratory Therapists?
Yes, with caveats.While the average salary of $65,090 is below the national average, the cost of living is also at the national average, meaning purchasing power is equivalent. The high location quotient indicates strong local demand and concentration of roles.
Is Birmingham, AL a good place to live for Respiratory Therapists?
The Cost of Living Index in Birmingham, AL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Birmingham, AL?
Some top paying nearby cities include Tuscaloosa, AL ($58,170) and Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area.
How does Birmingham's Respiratory Therapist salary compare to the national average?
Respiratory Therapists in Birmingham earn an average of $65,090 annually, which is below the national average of $84,540.
What is the cost of living like for Respiratory Therapists in Birmingham?
The cost of living in Birmingham is exactly at the national average (index of 100), meaning your salary's purchasing power is comparable to the national standard.
Is there high demand for Respiratory Therapists in Birmingham?
Yes, the location quotient of 1.61 suggests a higher concentration of Respiratory Therapists than the national average, indicating strong local demand.
How many Respiratory Therapists work in Birmingham?
Birmingham has a local workforce of approximately 740 Respiratory Therapists.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 740 employees in the Birmingham, AL area with a job density of 1.42 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Respiratory Therapists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Birmingham, AL