How Respiratory Therapists in New Jersey get paid in 2026 — median, range, experience tiers, metro breakdown, and a comparison against national pay.
Pay tiers reflect typical New Jersey compensation across career stages. Specialized employers may pay above these ranges.
| Experience | Median 2026 | 25th % | 75th % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry (0–1 yr) | $75,800 | $57,600 | $98,600 |
| Junior (2–4 yrs) | $94,300 | $71,600 | $122,500 |
| Mid-Level (5–9 yrs) | $108,400 | $82,300 | $140,900 |
| Senior (10–14 yrs) | $130,000 | $98,700 | $169,000 |
| Veteran (15+ yrs) | $147,400 | $111,900 | $191,600 |
Top occupations by median pay in New Jersey — useful context if you're weighing a career switch.
→ See full ranking of top 25 highest-paying jobs in New Jersey
If you'd consider relocating, here's how regional and comparable markets pay for the same job.
The average Respiratory Therapist salary in New Jersey is $108,400 per year as of 2026, based on projections from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics. The 25th percentile sits at $82,300 and the 75th at $140,900.
Pay-wise, New Jersey sits +26% 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 New Jersey earn around $130,000 per year on average. Veterans with 15+ years can reach $147,400 or more, especially at the 75th percentile and above.
Among all 51 jurisdictions (50 states + DC), New Jersey ranks 6th 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 →