Texas tech capital — Tesla, Oracle, Apple — booming. Here's how Respiratory Therapists in Austin get paid in 2026.
How pay scales with career stage in the Austin metro market.
| Experience | Median 2026 | 25th % | 75th % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry (0–1 yr) | $67,900 | $51,500 | $88,200 |
| Junior (2–4 yrs) | $84,300 | $64,100 | $109,700 |
| Mid-Level (5–9 yrs) | $97,000 | $73,700 | $126,100 |
| Senior (10–14 yrs) | $116,400 | $88,400 | $151,300 |
| Veteran (15+ yrs) | $131,900 | $100,200 | $171,400 |
Highest-paying metros for Respiratory Therapists — useful if you're weighing a relocation.
Top occupations by median pay across the Austin metro economy.
The average Respiratory Therapist salary in the Austin metro is $97,000 per year as of 2026, with a typical range of $73,700 to $126,100 (25th–75th percentile). Top earners (90th percentile) make $160,100 or more.
Yes — Austin pays +4% relative to the Texas state median for Respiratory Therapists. Major metros typically concentrate higher-paying employers and command a wage premium over rural and small-city areas in the same state.
Austin vs. national: +13%. That puts Austin among the stronger US markets for Respiratory Therapists — though cost of living in Austin is also typically elevated.
In Austin, the median Respiratory Therapist salary of $97,000 typically corresponds to 5–9 years of experience (mid-level). Entry-level Respiratory Therapists in Austin start around $67,900, while seniors (10+ years) reach $116,400 or more.
Metro medians are useful benchmarks — but your exact number depends on your experience, education, and the specific employer. Run the free calculator for a personalized read.
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