SalaryNode

Average Respiratory Therapists Salary in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV

Respiratory Therapists in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV metropolitan area earn an impressive average annual salary of $95,830, significantly surpassing the national average of $84,540. This elevated compensation reflects the region's robust healthcare demands and the specialized skills required for respiratory care professionals.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $95,830 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 27.6% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $118,940.
  • Outlook: The local job market for Respiratory Therapists in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV, while not as concentrated as the national average with a Location Quotient of 0.55, still supports a workforce of 1,510 professionals. This indicates a stable demand for these essential healthcare providers within the region, suggesting a consistent need for their services.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$95,830

The average Respiratory Therapists in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV earns+13.4%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$46.1

Weekly

$1,843

Monthly

$7,986

Respiratory Therapists Salary Distribution in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV

Career progression for Respiratory Therapists in this region typically sees a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and extensive experience can command salaries in the upper percentiles, reflecting a clear career ladder and the value placed on expertise.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience.10% (Entry)$76,750$36.9
Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures.25% (Junior)$71,873$34.6
Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification.50% (Median)$96,620$46.5
SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases.75% (Senior)$119,788$57.6
Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider.90% (Expert)$118,940$57.2

Detailed Respiratory Therapists Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$95,830

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$95,830

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $95,830 for Respiratory Therapists in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the higher nominal salary translates directly into strong purchasing power, allowing professionals to maintain a comparable standard of living to their national counterparts.

Job Market Context

1,510

Total Jobs

0.484

Per 1K Jobs

0.55

Location Quotient

Below Average

Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV has 0.55x 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.

With a Location Quotient of 0.55, the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV metropolitan area has a lower concentration of Respiratory Therapists compared to the national average. This suggests that while the demand is present, the market may be less saturated, potentially offering more opportunities for skilled professionals seeking employment.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Respiratory Therapists

Comparing salaries near Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV

Hiring Respiratory Therapistss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Respiratory Therapists make in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV?

The median annual salary for a Respiratory Therapists in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is $95,830. This typically ranges from $76,750 for entry-level positions to $118,940 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is 13.4% higher than the national median of $84,540.

Is Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV a lucrative place for Respiratory Therapists?

Yes, it is a lucrative place for Respiratory Therapists.Respiratory Therapists in this region earn significantly above the national average salary. Coupled with a cost of living at the national average, this makes the area financially attractive for the profession.

Is Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV a good place to live for Respiratory Therapists?

The Cost of Living Index in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV?

Some top paying nearby cities include Maryland nonmetropolitan area ($76,760) and Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD.

How does the local salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Respiratory Therapists in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is $95,830, which is notably higher than the national average of $84,540.

What is the Cost of Living in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV?

The Cost of Living Index for this region is 100, which is exactly the national average, indicating that the cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the country.

How many Respiratory Therapists work in this area?

There are approximately 1,510 Respiratory Therapists employed in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV metropolitan area.

Is the job market for Respiratory Therapists concentrated in this area?

No, the Location Quotient of 0.55 indicates that the concentration of Respiratory Therapists is lower than the national average in this region.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,510 employees in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV area with a job density of 0.484 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.