Average Respiratory Therapists Salary in Pittsburgh, PA
Respiratory Therapists in Pittsburgh, PA, earn an average annual salary of $69,710. This figure is notably below the national average of $84,540, suggesting that local market dynamics, such as demand and the cost of living, play a significant role in compensation within the region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $69,710 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 20.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $85,640.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,260 Respiratory Therapists and a Location Quotient of 1.29, Pittsburgh demonstrates a concentration of these professionals slightly above the national average. This indicates a stable, and potentially growing, demand for respiratory care services within the city, suggesting a robust job market for skilled individuals in this field.
Salary Overview
The average Respiratory Therapists in Pittsburgh, PA earns-17.5%below the national average.
$33.5
$1,341
$5,809
Respiratory Therapists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Respiratory Therapists in Pittsburgh have experienced a gradual upward trend over the past four years, mirroring national patterns of wage growth in healthcare professions. This growth is likely driven by increasing healthcare needs and the continuous demand for specialized respiratory care.
Respiratory Therapists Salary Distribution in Pittsburgh, PA
Salary progression for Respiratory Therapists in Pittsburgh typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and extensive experience can command salaries in the higher percentiles. The gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies clear career advancement opportunities and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $59,800 | $28.8 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $52,283 | $25.1 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $67,530 | $32.5 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $87,138 | $41.9 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $85,640 | $41.2 |
Detailed Respiratory Therapists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$69,710
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$69,710
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $69,710 for Respiratory Therapists in Pittsburgh aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Pittsburgh-based Respiratory Therapist's salary is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial environment for residents.
Job Market Context
1,260
Total Jobs
1.137
Per 1K Jobs
1.29
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.29, Pittsburgh, PA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Respiratory Therapists roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.29 signifies that Respiratory Therapists are more concentrated in Pittsburgh than the national average. This suggests a healthy demand for these professionals, potentially indicating a competitive market where employers actively seek qualified candidates, but also a good environment for job seekers due to the relative abundance of opportunities.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Respiratory Therapists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Weirton-Steubenville, WV-OH Respiratory Therapists Salary | $70,220↑ 1% | 30 mi |
| Wheeling, WV-OH Respiratory Therapists Salary | $70,540↑ 1% | 45 mi |
| Morgantown, WV Respiratory Therapists Salary | $72,790↑ 4% | 55 mi |
| Youngstown-Warren, OH Respiratory Therapists Salary | $72,190↑ 4% | 57 mi |
Comparing salaries near Pittsburgh, PA
Hiring Respiratory Therapistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Respiratory Therapists make in Pittsburgh, PA?
The median annual salary for a Respiratory Therapists in Pittsburgh, PA is $69,710. This typically ranges from $59,800 for entry-level positions to $85,640 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Pittsburgh, PA is 17.5% lower than the national median of $84,540.
Is Pittsburgh, PA a lucrative place for Respiratory Therapists?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.While Pittsburgh has a strong concentration of Respiratory Therapists, the average salary of $69,710 is below the national average of $84,540. However, the cost of living being at the national average mitigates this difference somewhat.
Is Pittsburgh, PA a good place to live for Respiratory Therapists?
The Cost of Living Index in Pittsburgh, PA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Pittsburgh, PA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Weirton-Steubenville, WV-OH ($70,220) and Wheeling, WV-OH.
How does the number of Respiratory Therapists in Pittsburgh compare nationally?
Pittsburgh employs 1,260 Respiratory Therapists, and with a jobs-per-1,000-workers rate of 1.137, it shows a significant presence of this profession within its healthcare sector.
What does a Location Quotient of 1.29 mean for Respiratory Therapists in Pittsburgh?
A Location Quotient of 1.29 indicates that Pittsburgh has 29% more Respiratory Therapists per worker than the national average, suggesting a higher concentration and potentially strong local demand for their services.
How does the cost of living in Pittsburgh affect a Respiratory Therapist's salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Pittsburgh's cost of living is exactly at the national average. This means the $69,710 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary, making it a neutral factor in real income.
Are there good career growth opportunities for Respiratory Therapists in Pittsburgh?
Yes, the salary distribution typically shows a significant increase from entry-level to senior roles, indicating clear pathways for career advancement and higher earning potential within Pittsburgh's healthcare system.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,260 employees in the Pittsburgh, PA area with a job density of 1.137 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 Pittsburgh, PA