Average Respiratory Therapists Salary in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
Respiratory Therapists in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA area earn an impressive average annual salary of $98,950. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $84,540, indicating a strong demand and potentially higher cost of operations or specialized skill requirements within this metropolitan region. The robust compensation reflects the value placed on these essential healthcare professionals in the Pacific Northwest.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $98,950 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 26.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $123,080.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,100 Respiratory Therapists and a Location Quotient of 0.59, the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue area demonstrates a slightly lower concentration of these professionals compared to the national average. While not a hub of over-representation, the presence of a substantial workforce suggests a stable and ongoing need for their services, supported by 0.526 jobs per 1,000 workers.
Salary Overview
The average Respiratory Therapists in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA earns+17.0%above the national average.
$47.6
$1,903
$8,246
Respiratory Therapists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Respiratory Therapists in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue region have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as increasing healthcare demands, advancements in respiratory care, and inflation likely contribute to an upward trajectory in compensation for these vital professionals.
Respiratory Therapists Salary Distribution in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
The career path for Respiratory Therapists in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue offers significant earning potential, with entry-level positions typically starting lower than the average and senior or specialized roles commanding higher salaries. The percentile gaps between entry-level and experienced practitioners highlight the value of accumulated knowledge, advanced certifications, and specialized skills, providing a clear roadmap for career progression and increased earning capacity.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $76,790 | $36.9 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $74,213 | $35.7 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $98,910 | $47.6 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $123,688 | $59.5 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $123,080 | $59.2 |
Detailed Respiratory Therapists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$98,950
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$98,950
Adjusted for COL (100)
For Respiratory Therapists considering a move to Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, the average annual salary of $98,950 aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that your earnings will likely retain their purchasing power relative to the rest of the country, making the higher nominal salary translate directly into a comparable standard of living.
Job Market Context
1,100
Total Jobs
0.526
Per 1K Jobs
0.59
Location Quotient
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA has 0.59x 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.
The Location Quotient of 0.59 for Respiratory Therapists in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue suggests that the job market is neither saturated nor critically undersupplied compared to the national landscape. This indicates a balanced market where opportunities likely exist without extreme competition, offering a stable environment for both job seekers and employers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Respiratory Therapists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Western Washington nonmetropolitan area Respiratory Therapists Salary | $92,640↓ 6% | 42 mi |
| Eastern Washington nonmetropolitan area Respiratory Therapists Salary | $92,150↓ 7% | 42 mi |
| Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA Respiratory Therapists Salary | $91,120↓ 8% | 56 mi |
Comparing salaries near Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
Hiring Respiratory Therapistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Respiratory Therapists make in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA?
The median annual salary for a Respiratory Therapists in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA is $98,950. This typically ranges from $76,790 for entry-level positions to $123,080 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA is 17.0% higher than the national median of $84,540.
Is Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA a lucrative place for Respiratory Therapists?
Yes, Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA is a lucrative location for Respiratory Therapists.The average salary of $98,950 is significantly higher than the national average, and this is achieved while maintaining a national average cost of living.
Is Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA a good place to live for Respiratory Therapists?
The Cost of Living Index in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Western Washington nonmetropolitan area ($92,640) and Eastern Washington nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue salary compare to the national average?
Respiratory Therapists in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue earn an average of $98,950 annually, which is approximately $14,410 more than the national average salary of $84,540.
What is the cost of living in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA?
The Cost of Living Index for Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA is 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning the cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the United States.
How many Respiratory Therapists work in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue area?
There are approximately 1,100 Respiratory Therapists employed within the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue metropolitan area.
Is there high demand for Respiratory Therapists in this region?
With 0.526 jobs per 1,000 workers and a Location Quotient below 1.0, the demand is present and stable, though not disproportionately high compared to national averages, suggesting a balanced job market.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,100 employees in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA area with a job density of 0.526 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 Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA