Ventilator and breathing-therapy specialists. Strong post-COVID demand.
Pay scales steeply with tenure for Respiratory Therapists. National figures, before regional adjustments.
| Experience | Median 2026 | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (0–1 yr) | $60,100 | $49,400 | $70,900 |
| Junior (2–4 yrs) | $74,800 | $61,400 | $88,200 |
| Mid-Level (5–9 yrs) | $86,000 | $70,600 | $101,400 |
| Senior (10–14 yrs) | $103,200 | $84,700 | $121,600 |
| Veteran (15+ yrs) | $116,900 | $96,000 | $137,900 |
Top 10 states by median Respiratory Therapist salary in 2026.
| State | Median | 25th % | 75th % | vs Nat'l |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $120,400 | $91,500 | $156,500 | +40% |
| Washington DC | $120,400 | $91,500 | $156,500 | +40% |
| New York | $114,400 | $86,900 | $148,700 | +33% |
| Massachusetts | $111,800 | $85,000 | $145,300 | +30% |
| Washington | $111,800 | $85,000 | $145,300 | +30% |
| New Jersey | $108,400 | $82,300 | $140,900 | +26% |
| Connecticut | $104,100 | $79,100 | $135,300 | +21% |
| Hawaii | $103,200 | $78,400 | $134,200 | +20% |
| Maryland | $103,200 | $78,400 | $134,200 | +20% |
| Colorado | $100,600 | $76,500 | $130,800 | +17% |
| State | Median | 25th % | 75th % | vs Nat'l |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kentucky | $73,100 | $55,600 | $95,000 | -15% |
| North Dakota | $72,200 | $54,900 | $93,900 | -16% |
| Oklahoma | $72,200 | $54,900 | $93,900 | -16% |
| Wyoming | $72,200 | $54,900 | $93,900 | -16% |
| Alabama | $71,400 | $54,200 | $92,800 | -17% |
| Louisiana | $71,400 | $54,200 | $92,800 | -17% |
| Arkansas | $68,800 | $52,300 | $89,400 | -20% |
| South Dakota | $68,800 | $52,300 | $89,400 | -20% |
| Mississippi | $67,100 | $51,000 | $87,200 | -22% |
| West Virginia | $67,100 | $51,000 | $87,200 | -22% |
Metro-level pay frequently outpaces state averages — major metros concentrate higher wages.
Click any state for detailed breakdown by experience level and percentile.
The median is just a benchmark. Your exact market value also depends on your state, experience, and education. Use the free calculator for a personalized number.
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