Average Respiratory Therapists Salary in Colorado
Respiratory Therapists in Colorado earn an average annual salary of $82,270, slightly below the national average of $84,540. This marginal difference can be attributed to a complex interplay of factors including the state's specific healthcare demands, the cost of living, and the overall supply and demand dynamics within the professional landscape.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $82,270 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 23.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $102,210.
- Outlook: Colorado's respiratory therapy job market is moderately sized, with a total local workforce of 2,070 professionals. The Location Quotient of 0.81 suggests a concentration slightly below the national average, indicating a stable but not overly saturated market. With 0.716 jobs per 1,000 workers, the demand for skilled respiratory therapists remains consistent, pointing towards a robust employment outlook for qualified individuals.
Salary Overview
The average Respiratory Therapists in Colorado earns-2.7%below the national average.
$39.6
$1,582
$6,856
Respiratory Therapists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Respiratory Therapists in Colorado have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as increasing healthcare needs, advancements in medical technology, and inflation typically drive upward salary adjustments in specialized healthcare professions.
Respiratory Therapists Salary Distribution in Colorado
Career progression for Respiratory Therapists in Colorado is marked by increasing earning potential. Entry-level positions typically start at the lower end of the salary spectrum, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized certifications can command significantly higher salaries. The widening gap between entry-level and senior-level pay reflects the value placed on expertise, leadership, and advanced clinical skills.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $63,770 | $30.7 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $61,703 | $29.7 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $80,690 | $38.8 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $102,838 | $49.4 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $102,210 | $49.1 |
Detailed Respiratory Therapists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$82,270
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$77,981
Adjusted for COL (105.5)
Colorado's cost of living index stands at 105.5, meaning it is 5.5% more expensive than the national average. While the nominal salary of $82,270 is slightly below the national average, the higher cost of living suggests that the purchasing power of a Respiratory Therapist's salary in Colorado may be somewhat diminished compared to national benchmarks. Careful budgeting is advisable for those considering a move to the state.
Job Market Context
2,070
Total Jobs
0.716
Per 1K Jobs
0.81
Location Quotient
Colorado has 0.81x the national average concentration of Respiratory Therapists jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
A Location Quotient of 0.81 indicates that Colorado has a slightly lower concentration of Respiratory Therapists relative to its overall workforce compared to the national average. This suggests that the job market is neither overly saturated nor exceptionally scarce, presenting a balanced environment for job seekers. While not a hotspot, the demand is steady, offering consistent opportunities for employment.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Respiratory Therapists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Springs, CO Respiratory Therapists Salary | $80,460↓ 2% | 32 mi |
| Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO Respiratory Therapists Salary | $82,300↑ 0% | 54 mi |
| Pueblo, CO Respiratory Therapists Salary | $78,680↓ 4% | 66 mi |
| Boulder, CO Respiratory Therapists Salary | $86,330↑ 5% | 67 mi |
Comparing salaries near Colorado
Hiring Respiratory Therapistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Respiratory Therapists make in Colorado?
The median annual salary for a Respiratory Therapists in Colorado is $82,270. This typically ranges from $63,770 for entry-level positions to $102,210 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Colorado is 2.7% lower than the national median of $84,540.
Is Colorado a lucrative place for Respiratory Therapists?
Moderately lucrative, with competitive earning potential.Colorado offers a solid average salary for Respiratory Therapists, though it slightly trails the national average. The state's higher cost of living means earnings may have slightly less purchasing power than in more affordable regions.
Is Colorado a good place to live for Respiratory Therapists?
The Cost of Living Index in Colorado is 105.5. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Colorado?
Some top paying nearby cities include Colorado Springs, CO ($80,460) and Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO.
How does Colorado's average Respiratory Therapist salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Respiratory Therapists in Colorado is $82,270, which is marginally lower than the national average of $84,540.
What is the concentration of Respiratory Therapists in Colorado?
Colorado has a Location Quotient of 0.81 for Respiratory Therapists, indicating a concentration slightly below the national average.
How does the cost of living in Colorado affect a Respiratory Therapist's salary?
With a cost of living index of 105.5, Colorado is 5.5% more expensive than the national average. This means the $82,270 salary may offer slightly less purchasing power than the national average salary in a more affordable state.
What is the job outlook for Respiratory Therapists in Colorado?
The job outlook is stable, with a workforce of 2,070 and 0.716 jobs per 1,000 workers, suggesting consistent demand for the profession.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,070 employees in the Colorado area with a job density of 0.716 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 Colorado