Pharma, education, healthcare — historic East Coast hub. Here's how Respiratory Therapists in Philadelphia get paid in 2026.
How pay scales with career stage in the Philadelphia metro market.
| Experience | Median 2026 | 25th % | 75th % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry (0–1 yr) | $64,500 | $49,000 | $83,800 |
| Junior (2–4 yrs) | $80,200 | $60,900 | $104,200 |
| Mid-Level (5–9 yrs) | $92,200 | $70,100 | $119,800 |
| Senior (10–14 yrs) | $110,600 | $84,100 | $143,700 |
| Veteran (15+ yrs) | $125,300 | $95,300 | $162,900 |
Highest-paying metros for Respiratory Therapists — useful if you're weighing a relocation.
Top occupations by median pay across the Philadelphia metro economy.
The average Respiratory Therapist salary in the Philadelphia metro is $92,200 per year as of 2026, with a typical range of $70,100 to $119,800 (25th–75th percentile). Top earners (90th percentile) make $152,100 or more.
Yes — Philadelphia pays +3% relative to the Pennsylvania 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.
Philadelphia vs. national: +7%. Philadelphia pays roughly in line with the national average for Respiratory Therapists. Whether that's a 'good' deal depends on local cost of living and your career stage.
In Philadelphia, the median Respiratory Therapist salary of $92,200 typically corresponds to 5–9 years of experience (mid-level). Entry-level Respiratory Therapists in Philadelphia start around $64,500, while seniors (10+ years) reach $110,600 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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