Entertainment, tech, aerospace — sprawling and high-paying. Here's how Respiratory Therapists in Los Angeles get paid in 2026.
How pay scales with career stage in the Los Angeles metro market.
| Experience | Median 2026 | 25th % | 75th % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry (0–1 yr) | $80,400 | $61,100 | $104,500 |
| Junior (2–4 yrs) | $99,900 | $75,900 | $129,900 |
| Mid-Level (5–9 yrs) | $114,900 | $87,300 | $149,400 |
| Senior (10–14 yrs) | $137,800 | $104,700 | $179,200 |
| Veteran (15+ yrs) | $156,200 | $118,700 | $203,100 |
Highest-paying metros for Respiratory Therapists — useful if you're weighing a relocation.
Top occupations by median pay across the Los Angeles metro economy.
The average Respiratory Therapist salary in the Los Angeles metro is $114,900 per year as of 2026, with a typical range of $87,300 to $149,400 (25th–75th percentile). Top earners (90th percentile) make $189,600 or more.
Yes — Los Angeles pays -5% relative to the California 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.
Los Angeles vs. national: +34%. That puts Los Angeles among the stronger US markets for Respiratory Therapists — though cost of living in Los Angeles is also typically elevated.
In Los Angeles, the median Respiratory Therapist salary of $114,900 typically corresponds to 5–9 years of experience (mid-level). Entry-level Respiratory Therapists in Los Angeles start around $80,400, while seniors (10+ years) reach $137,800 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.
Get my personal salary report →