Respiratory Therapist Salary.
Across 81 U.S. cities.
$80,000
national median salary
$68,000 to $96,000. Last updated August 2026.
Government benchmark for this occupation
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median annual wage of $82,280 for Respiratory Therapists (SOC 29-1126) across the United States, based on 139,790 employed workers (May 2025 release).
10th percentile
$63,660
25th percentile
$74,520
Median
$82,280
75th percentile
$98,730
90th percentile
$118,050
Workers surveyed
139,790
What BLS published in each release
May 2024 release
$80,450
May 2025 release
$82,280
These are two separate published estimates, not a time series. The Bureau of Labor Statistics does not encourage the use of OEWS data for time-series analysis. Differences between releases reflect changes in occupational classification, survey methodology, and the three-year pooled sample as well as any change in pay, so the two figures should not be read as a rate of wage growth.
BLS publishes wages by occupation code, not by job title, so this figure covers every role mapped to Respiratory Therapists (SOC 29-1126) rather than Respiratory Therapistspecifically. The national range at the top of this page is Orbyt’s role-level estimate, which is a different thing and is labelled as such.
View the BLS source for SOC 29-1126Highest Paying
$114,000
San Jose, CA
Best Purchasing Power
$84,000
Houston, TX
Lowest Paying
$60,000
Charleston, WV
The salary figures on this page are computed estimates, not observed wages. Each one is a national role baseline scaled by a Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parity cost-of-living multiplier (2025 index) and rounded to the nearest $1,000. No published wage percentile is consulted and no wage survey response enters the calculation, so an Orbyt estimate must not be cited as a Bureau of Labor Statistics figure or as measured pay. The published wage data Orbyt holds is Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, and Department of Labor H-1B Labor Condition Application filings, which record a filed minimum visa base wage rather than market pay. Where BLS publishes a wage for the occupation a role maps to, it is shown on that role's page as a separate benchmark, labelled with its occupation code, metro area and the number of employed workers it covers. Last updated August 2026. This role maps to BLS occupation code 29-1126. Full methodology.
Orbyt estimates the average Respiratory Therapist salary in the United States at $80,000 in 2026, within a range of $68,000 to $96,000. These figures are Orbyt estimates, computed rather than measured, and must not be cited as Bureau of Labor Statistics figures; the published BLS wage for the occupation this role maps to is shown separately on this page. San Jose is the highest of the 81 cities at $114,000, while Houston offers the best purchasing power after cost-of-living adjustments. Shift differentials for nights, weekends, and holidays contribute significantly to total earnings.
Respiratory Therapist salary by city.
Skills that increase Respiratory Therapist pay.
The skills below command measurable salary premiums for Respiratory Therapists based on job posting data. Learning the top skill here could add $11,200 to your annual compensation.
≈ +$11,200 per year
≈ +$10,400 per year
≈ +$9,600 per year
≈ +$8,800 per year
≈ +$8,800 per year
≈ +$8,000 per year
≈ +$8,000 per year
≈ +$7,200 per year
What you should know.
Shift differentials for nights, weekends, and holidays contribute significantly to total earnings. RTs working in ICU or neonatal units earn more than those in general floor care. The RRT credential is expected for most positions, and additional certifications in pulmonary function or transport add incremental pay.
Entry-level RTs earn $52,000 to $58,000 with the RRT credential. Experienced RTs in critical care reach $65,000 to $75,000 after five to seven years. Lead RTs or department supervisors can earn $78,000 to $92,000 with management responsibilities included.
Respiratory therapists receive shift differentials of $3 to $8 per hour, overtime opportunities, and comprehensive benefits. Some hospitals offer certification bonuses and tuition reimbursement for advanced degrees or specialty credentials.
Total compensation breakdown.
Salary by company size
Remote salary adjustment
Remote Respiratory Therapists typically earn $72,000 (10% less than on-site). This reflects location-adjusted pay policies at companies using geographic salary bands. Some companies pay flat national rates regardless of location.
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Common questions about Respiratory Therapist pay.
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