Respiratory Therapist Salary

The average Respiratory Therapist Salary  is calculated by the US Government Bureau of Labor Statistics from a variety of sources. Respiratory Therapists work in a number of settings including hospitals, clinics and medical offices.  A Respiratory Therapists salary will vary depending on the location and the setting. Area of specialization also plays a part in how much they earn.  The assumption was made that the Respiratory Therapists reflected here were working an average of 40 hours per week with a total of 2080 hours per year.

Respiratory Therapist Salary: Median Hourly and Annual Data

HOURLY

A Respiratory Therapists median salary is $16.19 per hour. The lowest 10% earn $21.70 per hour and those in the upper 10% earn more than $28.98 per hour.

ANNUALLY

On an annual basis the median Respiratory Therapist salary is $45,140 The lowest 10% earn less than $33,680 per year while the upper 10% earn more than $60,280 per year. These salaries are calculated as a mean or average. 

Lowest and Highest Respiratory Therapist Salary

The lowest paid Respiratory Therapists earn less with mean or average wages below $21.00 per hour.  Presumably this is offset by costs of living and other factors. The lower pay levels are associated with rural areas.  The highest pay levels are found in major metropolitan areas where the mean or average wage is over $32.00 per hour.  Demand and low supply seem to be a significant factor in fueling higher salaries. 

Top 5 States

The best states to earn a Respiratory Therapist salary are California $55,310, New York $54,850, Maryland $54,110, New Jersey $53,910, and Hawaii $53,750.

Top 5 Metropolitan Areas

The best city or metropolitan areas to earn a Respiratory Therapist salary are Waterbury CT $67,770, San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara CA $67,750, Nassau-Suffolk NY $61,680, San Francisco-San Mateo-Redwood City CA $59,790 Poughkeepsie-Newburgh-Middletown NY $59,660.

Private Practice Vs Employment

Respiratory Therapists work primarily as supportive personnel under the supervision of Physicians. The nature of their work limits the opportunities for self-employment.

EMPLOYMENT DATA

It is estimated that there are 95,320 Respiratory Therapists employed in the U.S.

Where They Work

Over 76,000 respiratory therapists work in hospitals. Physicians offices (2500), nursing care facilities (2,350) and local government (210) are other healthcare settings where they are employed.

Other Industries That Employ Respiratory Therapists

Consumer goods rental, Management and technical consulting services, Colleges and employment services employ approximately 2500 respiratory therapists.

Benefits

Fringe benefits such as vacation, health insurance and retirement plans will vary depending on the work setting and size of the employer.  Individuals in private practice will have similar benefits enjoyed by self-employed or sole proprietor businesses. A typical employment benefits package is worth over $20,000 per year.

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