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Average Respiratory Therapists Salary in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA

Respiratory Therapists in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA area earn an average annual salary of $74,430. This figure is notably below the national average of $84,540, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially a lower demand or different compensation structure influence pay rates in this region. Factors such as the specific healthcare needs of the population and the overall economic landscape of Iowa likely contribute to this differential.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $74,430 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 26.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $88,800.
  • Outlook: The Des Moines-West Des Moines area supports a local workforce of 240 Respiratory Therapists. With a Location Quotient of 0.67, the concentration of these professionals is below the national average, indicating a less saturated market compared to other regions. While the absolute number of jobs per 1,000 workers (0.595) is modest, the lower concentration suggests potential opportunities for skilled therapists seeking employment.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$74,430

The average Respiratory Therapists in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA earns-12.0%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$35.8

Weekly

$1,431

Monthly

$6,203

Respiratory Therapists Salary Distribution in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA

Salary progression for Respiratory Therapists typically correlates with experience. Entry-level positions often start at 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 compensation reflect this career trajectory, with senior therapists often earning well above the average, demonstrating the value of accumulated expertise and responsibility.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience.10% (Entry)$56,050$26.9
Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures.25% (Junior)$55,823$26.8
Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification.50% (Median)$76,340$36.7
SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases.75% (Senior)$93,038$44.7
Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider.90% (Expert)$88,800$42.7

Detailed Respiratory Therapists Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$74,430

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$74,430

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $74,430 for Respiratory Therapists in Des Moines-West Des Moines aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the nominal salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, making the region neither exceptionally expensive nor particularly affordable from a cost-of-living perspective relative to income.

Job Market Context

240

Total Jobs

0.595

Per 1K Jobs

0.67

Location Quotient

Below Average

Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA has 0.67x 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 0.67 indicates that Respiratory Therapists are less concentrated in the Des Moines-West Des Moines area compared to the national average. This suggests that the job market may not be as saturated with professionals, potentially leading to a more favorable environment for job seekers. While the absolute number of jobs per 1,000 workers is relatively low, the lower concentration implies that employers might actively seek qualified candidates.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Respiratory Therapists

CitySalaryDist.
Ames, IA Respiratory Therapists Salary$71,720↓ 4%31 mi
Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area Respiratory Therapists Salary$70,140↓ 6%37 mi
Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area Respiratory Therapists Salary$72,240↓ 3%37 mi
Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area Respiratory Therapists Salary$69,960↓ 6%37 mi
Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area Respiratory Therapists Salary$76,080↑ 2%37 mi

Comparing salaries near Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA

Hiring Respiratory Therapistss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Respiratory Therapists make in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?

The median annual salary for a Respiratory Therapists in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is $74,430. This typically ranges from $56,050 for entry-level positions to $88,800 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is 12.0% lower than the national median of $84,540.

Is Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA a lucrative place for Respiratory Therapists?

No, it is not the most lucrative place for Respiratory Therapists.The average salary of $74,430 is below the national average of $84,540, although the cost of living is on par with the national average.

Is Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA a good place to live for Respiratory Therapists?

The Cost of Living Index in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?

Some top paying nearby cities include Ames, IA ($71,720) and Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area.

How does the Des Moines Respiratory Therapist salary compare to the national average?

Respiratory Therapists in Des Moines-West Des Moines earn an average of $74,430 annually, which is approximately $10,110 less than the national average salary of $84,540.

What is the Cost of Living in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?

The Cost of Living Index in Des Moines-West Des Moines is 100, which is exactly the national average, indicating that the general cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the country.

Is there high demand for Respiratory Therapists in Des Moines-West Des Moines?

With a Location Quotient of 0.67, the concentration of Respiratory Therapists is below the national average, suggesting that while the market isn't oversaturated, the absolute number of jobs per 1,000 workers is modest.

How does experience affect Respiratory Therapist salaries in Des Moines?

As with most professions, experience significantly impacts salary. Entry-level Respiratory Therapists will earn less, while senior therapists with specialized skills and extensive experience can command higher compensation, reflecting their expertise and value.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 240 employees in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA area with a job density of 0.595 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Top Jobs in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA

Semantic Salary Analysis for Respiratory Therapists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA