Average Respiratory Therapists Salary in U.S.
Respiratory Therapists in U.S. earn an average annual salary of $84,540, precisely aligning with the national average. This parity suggests that while the specific location doesn't offer a premium or discount compared to the rest of the country, the compensation is benchmarked against national standards. Factors such as the overall demand for respiratory care services and the prevailing wage structures within the region likely contribute to this equilibrium.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $84,540 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 50.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $109,550.
- Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 120,220 Respiratory Therapists, the U.S. demonstrates a significant presence in this vital healthcare field. While specific concentration data (Location Quotient) is not available, the sheer volume of professionals indicates a robust and established market for respiratory care services. This large workforce suggests a consistent demand for skilled therapists to meet the healthcare needs of the population.
Salary Overview
The average Respiratory Therapists in U.S. earns-0.0%below the national average.
$40.6
$1,626
$7,045
Respiratory Therapists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for U.S. Respiratory Therapists is not provided, it's reasonable to assume a trend of salary growth over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. The healthcare sector, particularly roles like Respiratory Therapists, has seen increasing demand due to an aging population and a rise in respiratory conditions. This sustained demand typically translates into upward pressure on wages, suggesting that therapists in U.S. have likely experienced incremental salary increases.
Respiratory Therapists Salary Distribution in U.S.
The career trajectory for Respiratory Therapists in U.S. typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start at a lower percentile, but as therapists gain specialized skills, certifications, and years of practice, their earning potential escalates. Senior Respiratory Therapists, often taking on supervisory or specialized roles, can command salaries well above the average, with percentile gaps clearly signifying this progression and the value of accumulated expertise.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $62,000 | $29.8 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $63,405 | $30.5 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $80,580 | $38.7 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $105,675 | $50.8 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $109,550 | $52.7 |
Detailed Respiratory Therapists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$84,540
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$84,540
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $84,540 for Respiratory Therapists in U.S. holds its value effectively, as indicated by the Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of the salary is directly comparable to the national average. Residents can expect their earnings to cover essential expenses and discretionary spending at a rate consistent with the rest of the country, making U.S. a financially neutral location in terms of cost of living relative to income.
Job Market Context
120,220
Total Jobs
N/A
Per 1K Jobs
N/A
Location Quotient
The absence of a specific Location Quotient (LQ) for Respiratory Therapists in U.S. makes it challenging to definitively assess market competitiveness or abundance relative to the national average. However, the presence of a large workforce (120,220) suggests a mature market. Without an LQ, we infer that the concentration of Respiratory Therapists is likely around the national average, indicating a balanced supply and demand scenario rather than an exceptionally high or low concentration of professionals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Respiratory Therapists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Joplin, MO-KS Respiratory Therapists Salary | $66,430↓ 21% | 67 mi |
| Tulsa, OK Respiratory Therapists Salary | $77,940↓ 8% | 67 mi |
| Wichita, KS Respiratory Therapists Salary | $70,940↓ 16% | 99 mi |
Comparing salaries near U.S.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Respiratory Therapists make in U.S.?
The median annual salary for a Respiratory Therapists in U.S. is $84,540. This typically ranges from $62,000 for entry-level positions to $109,550 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in U.S. is 0.0% lower than the national median of $84,540.
Is U.S. a lucrative place for Respiratory Therapists?
Yes, U.S. offers a competitive salary for Respiratory Therapists.The average annual salary of $84,540 aligns perfectly with the national average, indicating strong compensation. Coupled with a Cost of Living Index of 100, this salary provides purchasing power equivalent to the national standard.
Is U.S. a good place to live for Respiratory Therapists?
The Cost of Living Index in U.S. is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near U.S.?
Some top paying nearby cities include Joplin, MO-KS ($66,430) and Tulsa, OK.
What is the average salary for a Respiratory Therapist in U.S.?
The average annual salary for a Respiratory Therapist in U.S. is $84,540, which is exactly the national average.
How does the cost of living in U.S. compare to the national average?
The Cost of Living Index in U.S. is 100, meaning it is precisely at the national average. This indicates that the purchasing power of the salary is consistent with the rest of the country.
What is the size of the Respiratory Therapist workforce in U.S.?
The total local workforce for Respiratory Therapists in U.S. is 120,220 professionals, indicating a significant presence in the healthcare sector.
How does experience impact a Respiratory Therapist's salary in U.S.?
Experience significantly influences salary, with entry-level therapists earning less and senior professionals commanding higher wages. The progression in earnings reflects increased skills, responsibilities, and expertise.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 120,220 employees in the U.S. area with a job density of 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 U.S.