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Average Respiratory Therapists Salary in California

Respiratory Therapists in California earn a substantial average annual salary of $106,790, significantly outpacing the national average of $84,540. This elevated compensation is largely driven by California's robust healthcare sector, high demand for specialized medical professionals, and the state's generally higher cost of living.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $106,790 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 22.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $138,000.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 18,310 Respiratory Therapists, California demonstrates a significant concentration of these professionals. The Location Quotient of 1.15 indicates a demand that is slightly above the national average, suggesting a stable and potentially growing job market for respiratory care specialists within the state.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$106,790

The average Respiratory Therapists in California earns+26.3%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$51.3

Weekly

$2,054

Monthly

$8,899

Respiratory Therapists Salary Distribution in California

Salary progression for Respiratory Therapists in California typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and advanced certifications can command salaries in the higher percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies clear career advancement opportunities and increased earning potential.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience.10% (Entry)$78,150$37.6
Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures.25% (Junior)$80,093$38.5
Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification.50% (Median)$102,120$49.1
SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases.75% (Senior)$133,488$64.2
Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider.90% (Expert)$138,000$66.3

Detailed Respiratory Therapists Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$106,790

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$77,105

Adjusted for COL (138.5)

The average annual salary of $106,790 in California must be considered within the context of its Cost of Living Index of 138.5. While the nominal salary is considerably higher than the national average, the increased cost of goods and services in California means that the purchasing power of this salary, while still strong, is moderated by the state's elevated living expenses.

Job Market Context

18,310

Total Jobs

1.014

Per 1K Jobs

1.15

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.15, California has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Respiratory Therapists roles compared to the national norm.

A Location Quotient of 1.15 for Respiratory Therapists in California suggests that the state has a slightly higher concentration of these professionals compared to the national average. This indicates a healthy, competitive job market where demand is present, but professionals may need to highlight specialized skills or experience to stand out.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Respiratory Therapists

CitySalaryDist.
Fresno, CA Respiratory Therapists Salary$94,140↓ 12%46 mi
Bakersfield-Delano, CA Respiratory Therapists Salary$97,020↓ 9%64 mi

Comparing salaries near California

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Respiratory Therapists make in California?

The median annual salary for a Respiratory Therapists in California is $106,790. This typically ranges from $78,150 for entry-level positions to $138,000 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in California is 26.3% higher than the national median of $84,540.

Is California a lucrative place for Respiratory Therapists?

Yes, California is a lucrative place for Respiratory Therapists.The average salary of $106,790 is significantly higher than the national average, and the state's concentration of jobs (LQ 1.15) indicates strong demand.

Is California a good place to live for Respiratory Therapists?

The Cost of Living Index in California is 138.5. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near California?

Some top paying nearby cities include Fresno, CA ($94,140) and Bakersfield-Delano, CA.

How does the California salary compare to the national average?

Respiratory Therapists in California earn an average of $106,790 annually, which is over $22,000 more than the national average of $84,540.

What is the job concentration for Respiratory Therapists in California?

California has a Location Quotient of 1.15 for Respiratory Therapists, meaning the concentration of these jobs is 15% higher than the national average.

How does the cost of living affect a Respiratory Therapist's salary in California?

With a Cost of Living Index of 138.5, California is significantly more expensive than the national average. While the high salary helps, the increased cost of living should be factored into financial planning.

What does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers indicate?

California has 1.014 Respiratory Therapist jobs per 1,000 workers, indicating a solid presence and demand for these professionals within the state's workforce.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 18,310 employees in the California area with a job density of 1.014 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Respiratory Therapists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in California