How Respiratory Therapists in Missouri get paid in 2026 — median, range, experience tiers, metro breakdown, and a comparison against national pay.
Pay tiers reflect typical Missouri compensation across career stages. Specialized employers may pay above these ranges.
| Experience | Median 2026 | 25th % | 75th % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry (0–1 yr) | $53,500 | $40,700 | $69,600 |
| Junior (2–4 yrs) | $66,500 | $50,600 | $86,500 |
| Mid-Level (5–9 yrs) | $76,500 | $58,200 | $99,500 |
| Senior (10–14 yrs) | $91,800 | $69,800 | $119,400 |
| Veteran (15+ yrs) | $104,000 | $79,100 | $135,300 |
Top occupations by median pay in Missouri — useful context if you're weighing a career switch.
→ See full ranking of top 25 highest-paying jobs in Missouri
If you'd consider relocating, here's how regional and comparable markets pay for the same job.
The average Respiratory Therapist salary in Missouri is $76,500 per year as of 2026, based on projections from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics. The 25th percentile sits at $58,200 and the 75th at $99,500.
Pay-wise, Missouri sits -11% below the national Respiratory Therapist median ($86,000). Wages run below the national median, but cost of living is often correspondingly lower; net purchasing power may be similar to higher-paying states.
Senior Respiratory Therapists (10–14 years of experience) in Missouri earn around $91,800 per year on average. Veterans with 15+ years can reach $104,000 or more, especially at the 75th percentile and above.
Among all 51 jurisdictions (50 states + DC), Missouri ranks 35th 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.
Get my personal salary report →