How Respiratory Therapists in Colorado get paid in 2026 — median, range, experience tiers, metro breakdown, and a comparison against national pay.
Pay tiers reflect typical Colorado compensation across career stages. Specialized employers may pay above these ranges.
| Experience | Median 2026 | 25th % | 75th % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry (0–1 yr) | $70,400 | $53,500 | $91,500 |
| Junior (2–4 yrs) | $87,500 | $66,500 | $113,700 |
| Mid-Level (5–9 yrs) | $100,600 | $76,500 | $130,800 |
| Senior (10–14 yrs) | $120,700 | $91,800 | $156,900 |
| Veteran (15+ yrs) | $136,800 | $104,000 | $177,800 |
Pay varies sharply within Colorado. Major metros usually outpay state-wide averages.
| Metro | Median | 25th % | 75th % | vs Colorado |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Denver | $101,300 | $77,000 | $131,700 | +1% |
Top occupations by median pay in Colorado — useful context if you're weighing a career switch.
→ See full ranking of top 25 highest-paying jobs in Colorado
If you'd consider relocating, here's how regional and comparable markets pay for the same job.
The average Respiratory Therapist salary in Colorado is $100,600 per year as of 2026, based on projections from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics. The 25th percentile sits at $76,500 and the 75th at $130,800.
Pay-wise, Colorado sits +17% above the national Respiratory Therapist median ($86,000). That makes it one of the stronger markets — though cost of living should always be factored in alongside raw salary.
Senior Respiratory Therapists (10–14 years of experience) in Colorado earn around $120,700 per year on average. Veterans with 15+ years can reach $136,800 or more, especially at the 75th percentile and above.
Among all 51 jurisdictions (50 states + DC), Colorado ranks 10th for Respiratory Therapist pay. The highest-paying state pays around $120,400 on average.
The median is a benchmark, not a verdict. Your exact market value depends on your experience and education — plus your specific employer's pay band. Run the free calculator for a personalized number.
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