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Average Respiratory Therapists Salary in Shreveport-Bossier City, LA

Respiratory Therapists in the Shreveport-Bossier City, LA area earn an average annual salary of $72,340. This figure is notably below the national average of $84,540, suggesting localized economic factors or a different supply-demand dynamic at play in this region. The specific economic conditions and healthcare industry demands within Shreveport-Bossier City directly influence this compensation.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $72,340 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 25.9% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $84,440.
  • Outlook: The Shreveport-Bossier City area demonstrates a robust demand for Respiratory Therapists, as indicated by a substantial local workforce of 330 professionals. The Location Quotient of 2.35 significantly exceeds the national average, signaling a higher concentration of these roles relative to other occupations in the region, which points to a strong and potentially growing job market for this specialty.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$72,340

The average Respiratory Therapists in Shreveport-Bossier City, LA earns-14.4%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$34.8

Weekly

$1,391

Monthly

$6,028

Respiratory Therapists Salary Distribution in Shreveport-Bossier City, LA

The career trajectory for Respiratory Therapists in Shreveport-Bossier City offers significant earning potential as experience increases. Entry-level positions typically start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and extensive experience can command salaries well above the average. The percentile gaps in salary distribution clearly signify opportunities for career advancement and increased compensation.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience.10% (Entry)$59,760$28.7
Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures.25% (Junior)$54,255$26.1
Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification.50% (Median)$74,580$35.9
SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases.75% (Senior)$90,425$43.5
Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider.90% (Expert)$84,440$40.6

Detailed Respiratory Therapists Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$72,340

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$72,340

Adjusted for COL (100)

For Respiratory Therapists considering a move to Shreveport-Bossier City, the average annual salary of $72,340 aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of the salary is equivalent to the national average, making the nominal salary hold its value effectively within the local economic landscape.

Job Market Context

330

Total Jobs

2.075

Per 1K Jobs

2.35

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Shreveport-Bossier City, LA has 2.4x the national concentration of Respiratory Therapists jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.

With a Location Quotient of 2.35, Shreveport-Bossier City presents a market where Respiratory Therapists are significantly more concentrated than the national average. This indicates a higher demand or a greater supply of these professionals relative to other job types in the area, suggesting a competitive yet potentially abundant job market for skilled individuals in this field.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Respiratory Therapists

Comparing salaries near Shreveport-Bossier City, LA

Hiring Respiratory Therapistss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Respiratory Therapists make in Shreveport-Bossier City, LA?

The median annual salary for a Respiratory Therapists in Shreveport-Bossier City, LA is $72,340. This typically ranges from $59,760 for entry-level positions to $84,440 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Shreveport-Bossier City, LA is 14.4% lower than the national median of $84,540.

Is Shreveport-Bossier City, LA a lucrative place for Respiratory Therapists?

No, not when compared to the national average.While the average salary of $72,340 is substantial, it falls below the national average of $84,540. However, the cost of living being at the national average means the salary's purchasing power is equivalent nationally.

Is Shreveport-Bossier City, LA a good place to live for Respiratory Therapists?

The Cost of Living Index in Shreveport-Bossier City, LA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Shreveport-Bossier City, LA?

Some top paying nearby cities include Longview, TX ($83,060) and Texarkana, TX-AR.

How does the number of Respiratory Therapists in Shreveport-Bossier City compare nationally?

With 2.075 jobs per 1,000 workers, the concentration of Respiratory Therapists in Shreveport-Bossier City is more than double the national average, indicating a higher prevalence of this role in the local job market.

What is the significance of the Location Quotient for Respiratory Therapists in Shreveport-Bossier City?

A Location Quotient of 2.35 signifies that Respiratory Therapists are more than twice as concentrated in Shreveport-Bossier City compared to the national average. This suggests a strong regional demand or a specialized healthcare focus in this area.

Does experience significantly impact a Respiratory Therapist's salary in Shreveport-Bossier City?

Yes, like most professions, experience plays a crucial role. Entry-level therapists will earn less, while senior therapists with specialized skills and years of practice can expect to earn considerably more than the $72,340 average.

How does the cost of living affect the perceived value of a Respiratory Therapist's salary in Shreveport-Bossier City?

The Cost of Living Index being exactly 100 means that the $72,340 average salary has the same purchasing power in Shreveport-Bossier City as the national average salary has across the United States, offering a stable economic environment.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 330 employees in the Shreveport-Bossier City, LA area with a job density of 2.075 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.