Respiratory Therapist Salary in the United States In 2024

What is the Average Respiratory Therapist Salary?

Respiratory therapy is a vital field in healthcare that focuses on helping patients with breathing difficulties.

Respiratory therapists play a crucial role in diagnosing and treating patients with conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and respiratory distress syndrome.

As of February 2024, the average respiratory therapist salary in the United States is $89,915 annually, with significant regional variations.

Moreover, advanced credentials, specializations, and experience in specialized areas of respiratory care are known to lead to higher salaries for respiratory therapists.

Multiple resources were consulted to understand and compare respiratory therapist salaries comprehensively.

Top 10 Paying States for Respiratory Therapists in the United States

The states that pay the highest respiratory therapist salary are California ($92,660), Alaska ($83,530), and New York ($83,510).

Top 10 Paying Cities for Respiratory Therapists in the United States

The metropolitan areas with the highest respiratory therapist salary are mainly located in California, including San Francisco, San Jose, Santa Rosa, Vallejo, and Vallejo.

Top Industries with Highest Respiratory Therapist Salary

The salary of a respiratory therapist varies based on the industry in which they work as shown in the table below.

Respiratory therapist salary by experience level

Experience level is a key determinant of a respiratory therapist salary.

As respiratory therapists gain more experience, their skills and knowledge expand, making them more valuable to employers.

Entry-level respiratory therapists can expect to earn around $37,000 to $47,499 annually.

Respiratory therapists with five to ten years of experience may earn between $55,375 and $94,849.60, while those with over ten years of experience can earn upwards of $108,632 per year or $52.15 per hour.

Different Types of Respiratory Therapist Salary

Within the field of respiratory therapy, there are different types of therapists with varying levels of specialization.

Here are some of the common types and their average annual salaries:

1. Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT)

The RRT certification is a common credential among respiratory therapists. On average, RRTs earn around $75,958 per year.

2. Travel Respiratory Therapist

Travel therapists typically earn higher salaries due to the flexibility and demand for their skills.

A travel respiratory therapist salary is higher in states like California at $99,972, New York at $87,734, and Washington DC at $85,535 annually.

3. Pediatric Respiratory Therapist

Due to the specialized nature of their work, pediatric respiratory therapists often earn higher salaries.

A pediatric respiratory therapist salary in the United States earns an average of $80,613 annually.

4. Neonatal Respiratory Therapist

Neonatal therapists specialize in providing respiratory care to newborns and infants.

A neonatal respiratory therapist salary can expect to earn an average of $69,937 per year.

5. Pulmonary Rehabilitation Therapist

Pulmonary rehab therapists work with patients recovering from chronic lung diseases.

Their average annual salary is approximately $84,895.

Factors Influencing Respiratory Therapist Salary

1. Job Growth

The projected job growth for respiratory therapists is 14% within the decade, indicating increasing demand for these professionals due to an aging population and the prevalence of chronic respiratory diseases.

2. Employment Setting

Salaries vary based on the employment setting, with outpatient care centers offering top pay, followed by employment services, colleges, universities, professional schools, and medical and surgical hospitals.

3. Education, Accreditation, and Certification

Completing an accredited respiratory therapy program, obtaining certifications such as Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) or Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT), and specialized training can impact earning potential.

4. Location

Salaries vary significantly from state to state, with metropolitan areas and states such as California, Alaska, and New York offering higher salaries due to the higher cost of living and demand for respiratory care.

5. Specialization

Respiratory therapists who specialize in specific areas, such as pediatric care, may earn higher salaries.

6. Shift Differentials

Working night or weekend shifts may result in higher salaries due to shift differentials.

Duties of a Respiratory Therapist

The duties of a respiratory therapist typically include:

1. Assessment

Conducting initial patient assessments to determine the nature and severity of their respiratory issues.

2. Treatment Planning

Developing and implementing treatment plans, which may involve administering medications, oxygen, or breathing treatments.

3. Mechanical Ventilation

Managing and monitoring patients who require mechanical ventilation to assist with breathing.

4. Patient Education

Educating patients and their families on how to manage respiratory conditions and use prescribed equipment effectively.

5. Diagnostic Testing

Performing diagnostic tests such as arterial blood gas analysis and pulmonary function tests.

6. Emergency Response

Responding to emergency situations and providing life-saving care to patients experiencing respiratory failure.

Respiratory Therapist Qualifications and Skills

To become a respiratory therapist, individuals typically need the following qualifications and skills:

1. Education

Completion of an accredited respiratory therapy program, which may result in an associate’s or bachelor’s degree.

2. Licensure

Licensure as a respiratory therapist, which is required in all states.

3. Certification

Many employers prefer or require certification by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC).

4. Clinical Skills

Proficiency in using and maintaining respiratory therapy equipment and performing diagnostic tests.

5. Communication Skills

Effective communication with patients, families, and other healthcare professionals.

6. Critical Thinking

Ability to assess and respond to changing patient conditions and make critical decisions in emergency situations.

7. Compassion

Compassion and empathy in caring for patients with respiratory problems.

Overall, respiratory therapists play a crucial role in helping patients with breathing disorders, and they require a blend of technical expertise, compassion, and communication skills to excel in their profession.

Travel Respiratory Therapist

A travel respiratory therapist is a healthcare professional who works on a contract basis, typically through a staffing agency, and travels to different healthcare facilities to provide respiratory care services.

These professionals are licensed respiratory therapists who work temporary assignments in various locations, often to fill short-term staffing needs or to provide specialized care in different healthcare settings such as hospitals, clinics, and rehabilitation centers.

The appeal of travel respiratory therapy lies in the opportunity to work in diverse clinical settings, gain experience in different environments, and often receive competitive compensation and benefits.

This career path offers flexibility and the chance to explore various locations while fulfilling a vital role in healthcare delivery.

Top 10 Cities With The Highest Travel Respiratory Therapist Salary

These are the top 10 cities offering the highest travel respiratory therapist salary per week.

1. New York: $2,182
2. Vermont: $2,132
3. New Hampshire: $2,088
4. New Jersey: $2,074
5. Massachusetts: $2,056
6. Pennsylvania: $1,966
7. Virginia: $1,938
8. Maryland: $1,896

Top 10 States With the Highest Travel Respiratory Therapist Salary

These are the top 10 states offering the highest travel respiratory therapist salary per year.

1. San Francisco, CA: $99,972
2. New York, NY: $87,734
3. Washington, DC: $85,535
4. Boston, MA: $83,139
5. Atlanta, GA: $78,678
6. Chicago, IL: $70,796
7. Seattle, WA: $69,241
8. Los Angeles, CA: $69,006
9. San Diego, CA: $65,593

How to Advance Your Career as a Respiratory Therapist

Advancement through certifications is a significant aspect of career growth for respiratory therapists.

Here are respiratory therapist certifications that can contribute to career advancement

1. Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT)

The RRT credential, awarded by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC), is a common certification sought by respiratory therapists.

To qualify for the RRT, candidates must first earn the Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) credential and then pass an additional examination.

On average, RRTs earn around 10% to 20% more than those without this certification.

2. Specialty Certifications

Respiratory therapists can pursue specialty certifications in areas such as neonatal/pediatric care, adult critical care, sleep disorders, and pulmonary function technology.

These certifications demonstrate advanced knowledge and skills in specific areas of respiratory care, opening up opportunities for specialized roles and increased earning potential.

3. Advanced Practice Certifications

Advanced practice certifications, such as Neonatal-Pediatric Specialist (NPS) and Adult Critical Care Specialist (ACCS), are available for respiratory therapists who specialize in these areas.

These certifications demonstrate expertise in critical care or pediatric respiratory care, enabling therapists to pursue advanced clinical roles and leadership positions within healthcare settings.

4. Continuing Education and Maintaining Certification

To maintain certifications, respiratory therapists must engage in continuing education to stay current with advancements in the field.

Continuing education not only ensures the maintenance of certifications but also enables therapists to expand their knowledge and skills, enhancing their professional growth and employability.

5. Career Advancement Opportunities

Respiratory therapists with advanced certifications are often well-positioned for career advancement, including opportunities for supervisory roles, clinical education coordination, and leadership positions within healthcare organizations.

Additionally, many employers value and incentivize employees who hold advanced certifications through higher salaries and increased responsibilities.

How to Negotiate a Higher Respiratory Therapist Salary

Negotiating a higher salary can be intimidating, but with the right approach, it is possible to secure a better compensation package.

Here are some tips to help you negotiate a higher respiratory therapist salary:

1. Research Salary Data

Before entering into negotiations, research the average salaries for respiratory therapists in your area.

This will give you a benchmark to guide your negotiations.

2. Highlight Your Education and Experience

Emphasize your advanced certifications, additional training, and years of experience.

These factors demonstrate your expertise and value as a respiratory therapist.

3. Showcase Your Achievements

Highlight any notable achievements or contributions you have made in your current or previous roles.

This will demonstrate your dedication and ability to go above and beyond.

4. Communicate Your Professional Goals

Clearly articulate your career goals and how a higher salary will support your growth and development.

Employers are more likely to invest in employees who have a clear vision for their future.

5. Be Open to Other Benefits

If the employer is unable to meet your desired salary, consider negotiating for other benefits such as flexible working hours, additional vacation days, or professional development opportunities.

Resources

We would like to express our gratitude to these resources utilized during the benchmarking of respiratory therapist salary in the United States.

1. American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC)
2. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
3. Forbes
4. USNews and World Report
5. Glassdoor
6. Salary.com
7. Zip Recruiter
8. Century

Conclusion

Decoding a respiratory therapist salary involves considering various factors such as location, experience level, additional certifications, and travel opportunities.

While the average respiratory therapist salary is around $89,915 per year, individual salaries can vary significantly based on these factors.

By understanding the influencers of a respiratory therapist salary and leveraging additional certifications and experiences.

Respiratory therapists can enhance their earning potential and continue making a significant impact in the field of respiratory therapy.

If you’re considering a career in respiratory therapy or are already a respiratory therapist, take the time to explore the factors that influence your salary.

Research average salaries in your desired location, consider obtaining additional certifications and explore travel opportunities to maximize your earning potential.

Remember, your skills and dedication as a respiratory therapist are invaluable, and you deserve to be fairly compensated for your expertise.

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