Wondering how much does a respiratory therapist make? Learn about salaries, career growth, and tips to maximize your income in this guide.
Let’s be real, choosing a career isn’t simply about a career in a field one is passionate about. It’s about security, development, and, yep, pay. In case you’re contemplating becoming a respiratory therapist (RT) or work in the field and wonder about earning a little more, then you’re in the right place.
When I initially considered a career in healthcare, I wanted a career that not only mattered but one that could pay my bills, too. Respiratory therapy filled both of those qualifications and turned out to be one of those good-paying entry-level jobs that set you up for success. But believe me, something career pamphlets don’t necessarily promote is that your pay is determined by your location, your level of expertise, and your career planning expertise.
So, let’s go deep, not necessarily into mean salaries (because, in 10 seconds, you could Google that one out yourself), but into maximizing your pay, unearthing hidden opportunity, and future-proofing your career.
Article Breakdown
The National Median Salary for a Respiratory Therapist
Alright, let’s start with the basics
The median annual salary for an American respiratory therapist is $77,960 (estimated for 2025).
The average hourly wage is about $44.34, but that is a mere beginning.
Fun fact: Some therapists make six-figure incomes, without becoming a doctor and putting in years of medical school. How? Tune in and find out.
✔ Pro Tip: Your salary can start off at a lesser figure, but with smart moves (which I will detail below), in no time, you can break through that $100K barrier
Location, Location, Location, Where Workplace Makes a Difference
Want to receive a pay rise with no added working hours? Get moving and move to a rich district
Highest-Paying States:
- California – $92,660
- Alaska – $83,530
- New York – $82,240
Top-Paying Cities:
- Indianapolis, IN – $54.75/hr
- San Francisco, CA: $50.90 an hr
- Miami, FL – $38.34/hr
✔ Pro Tip: High cost of living? Not necessarily. Smaller cities have higher pay in many cases, even for medical care shortages. Don’t reject a location without investigating first.
A friend of mine moved from Texas (where he was making $63K) to California. Within two years, he was earning over $100K, just by switching locations and negotiating better shifts.
Experience Pays Off, How Long You’ve Been in the Game Matters
Like most jobs, the more experience you have, the higher your paycheck. But here’s where it gets interesting, you don’t always have to wait decades to see that increase.
- Entry-Level (0-2 years): ~$47,000 per year
- Mid-Career (5-10 years): ~$70,000 per year
- Experienced (10+ years): $95,000+ per year
✔ Pro Tip: Want to fast-track this? Get specialized. Certifications like Neonatal/Pediatric Specialist (NPS) or Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) can fast-forward your salary growth by years.
Example: Think of it like gaming. You start as a Level 1 character making basic moves. But with training, experience, and the right gear (certifications), you unlock new abilities, and a bigger paycheck.
The Secret to Earning $100K+ as a Respiratory Therapist
If you’re ambitious and willing to put in some extra effort, here’s how you can boost your earnings into six figures:
- 🚀 Travel Respiratory Therapy – Short-term contracts pay between $100,000 – $200,000 per year depending on location. Agencies often cover housing and travel costs, too.
- ⏳ Overtime & Shift Differentials – Working nights, weekends, or picking up extra shifts? Some RTs report making $270,000/year this way.
- 📜 Specialize in High-Demand Areas – ICU, NICU, and emergency settings typically offer higher pay.
- 🏥 Work in States Facing RT Shortages – Some hospitals in rural areas will pay top dollar to attract skilled professionals.
✔ Pro Tip: The key is stacking these strategies. A travel therapist working overtime in an ICU setting? Big money.
A respiratory therapist I know took a travel contract in Hawaii (yes, Hawaii!) and was making $150,000 per year while living by the beach. Not bad, right?
The Future of Respiratory Therapy, A Career That’s Here to Stay
The demand for respiratory therapists is projected to grow by 13% by 2033, way faster than the average job.
Why?
- An aging population means more people will need respiratory care.
- Increased cases of asthma, COPD, and other lung diseases.
- The rise of telehealth, expanding opportunities beyond hospitals.
This career isn’t just stable, it’s booming. And if you play your cards right, it can be highly lucrative.
Key Takings:
- The salary of a respiratory therapist depends on factors such as location, experience, and specialized certifications.
- Moving to a higher-paying area can significantly increase your income without working extra hours.
- With the right moves and strategies, it is possible to earn over $100K as a respiratory therapist.
- The demand for respiratory therapists is projected to grow in the future due to an aging population and increasing cases of lung diseases. So, this career offers stability and growth potential.
Additional Resources:
- Respiratory Therapist Salary Guide & 5 Factors Influencing: This article explores key factors like specialized training and experience that can significantly boost a respiratory therapist’s salary.
- What is a Respiratory Therapist’s Salary in 2025: Learn strategies such as pursuing advanced education and relocating to high-paying areas to maximize your income as a respiratory therapist.
- Unlocking the Respiratory Therapist Travel Job Outlook: Discover the unique opportunities in travel respiratory therapy, including career outlook, qualifications, and salary potential.
- Mastering Salary Benchmarking for Respiratory Therapists!: A guide to staying competitive by focusing on continuing education, advanced certifications, and other income-boosting strategies.
