Respiratory Therapist Salary - Listed by State (2023) (2023)

Atemtherapeutenplay an important role in the healthcare industry by helping patients suffering from breathing problems or respiratory illnesses.

They work closely with doctors and nurses to provide patient care, diagnostic tests, and cardiopulmonary treatment plans.

While theDemand for respiratory therapistscontinue to rise, salaries offered for this occupation vary significantly in different regions of the United States.

In this article, we examine theaverage respiratory therapist salary in each stateand provide a comprehensive guide to help aspiring RTs understand the earning potential of this rewarding career.

How much does a respiratory therapist make?

A respiratory therapist salary can vary based on several factors such as experience, location, education and the type of facility they work in.

According toUS Bureau of Labor Statistics, is the average annual salary of respiratory therapists in the United States61.830 $per year, which is approximately29,73 $per hour. The bottom 10% of respiratory therapists earned less than $47,380 a year, while the top 10% earned more than $95,540 a year.

Respiratory Therapist Salary Listed By State

Here is a list of respiratory therapist salaries sorted by state based on the most recent data:

  • Alabama: $50,790
  • Alaska: $74,380
  • Arizona: 60.220 $
  • Arkansas: $55,480
  • California: $85,620
  • Colorado: 65.690$
  • Connecticut: 71.450 $
  • District of Columbia: $81,470
  • Delaware: 67.040 $
  • Florida: $59,580
  • Georgia: $57,380
  • Hawaii: $77,310
  • Idaho: 59.780 $
  • Illinois: 60.160 $
  • Indiana: 59.270 $
  • Iowa: 55.480 $
  • Kansas: $58,040
  • Kentucky: 50.300 $
  • Louisiana: $55,650
  • Maine: 61.050 $
  • Maryland: 69.920 $
  • Massachusetts: 75.650 $
  • Michigan: 59.920 $
  • Minnesota: 71.280 $
  • Mississippi: $50,990
  • Missouri: $56,520
  • Montana: 59.480$
  • Nebraska: 58.960 $
  • Nevada: 75.670 $
  • New Hampshire: 70.800 $
  • New Jersey: $74,590
  • New Mexico: $58,020
  • New York: $80,400
  • North Carolina: $59,040
  • Dakota do Norte: 61.570 $
  • Ohio: 59.380 $
  • Oklahoma: $57,940
  • Oregon: $72,200
  • Pennsylvania: $58,570
  • Puerto Rico: $24,880
  • Rhode Island: 67.890 $
  • Carolina do Sul: $58,860
  • Dakota do Sul: 52.870 $
  • Tennessee: 53.570 $
  • Texas: 60.590 $
  • Utah: 62.610 $
  • Vermont: 63.630 $
  • Virginia: 62,080$
  • Washington: 74.850 $
  • West Virginia: $51,250
  • Wisconsin: 65.940 $
  • Wyoming: 60.290 $

Which state is best for respiratory therapists?

Determination of "preferablyWorking status as a respiratory therapist may depend on individual preferences, such as:

  • cost of living
  • job availability
  • geographical climate
  • personal lifestyle

Observation:Every individual's situation and preferences may be different, so it's best to research and consider all factors before deciding on a state to work in as a respiratory therapist.

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In general, states with higher wages, lower cost of living and good job opportunities are considered the “preferably”options for most.

Top 10 Highest Paying States for Respiratory Therapists

Here is a list of the highest paying states to work as a respiratory therapist:

  1. California: $85,620
  2. District of Columbia: $81,470
  3. New York: $80,400
  4. Hawaii: $77,310
  5. Nevada: 75.670 $
  6. Massachusetts: 75.650 $
  7. Washington: 74.850 $
  8. New Jersey: $74,590
  9. Alaska: $74,380
  10. Oregon: $72,200

Respiratory therapists in these states earn significantly more than the national median salary of $61,830.

One of the main reasons for wage differences between states is the difference in the cost of living. High cost of living states like California and Massachusetts, for example, tend to have higher salaries for respiratory therapists to offset the higher cost of living.

Additionally, states with greater demand for respiratory care, such as states with large aging populations or high rates of lung disease, may offer higher salaries to attract and retain qualified respiratory therapists.

The 10 lowest-paying states for respiratory therapists

Here is a list of states that pay the least to work as a respiratory therapist:

  1. Kentucky: 50.300 $
  2. Alabama: $50,790
  3. Mississippi: $50,990
  4. West Virginia: $51,250
  5. Dakota do Sul: 52.870 $
  6. Tennessee: 53.570 $
  7. Arkansas: $55,480
  8. Iowa: 55.480 $
  9. Louisiana: $55,650
  10. Missouri: $56,520

Respiratory therapists in these states earn less than the national median salary of $61,830.

This can be attributed to several factors such as B. lower demand for ventilation services, lower cost of living or oversupply of qualified respiratory therapists in the area.

(Video) The future of Respiratory Therapy - clip #1

It's important to note that while these states have lower wages, they may also have a lower cost of living, which can offset lower incomes.

What is a respiratory therapist?

AAtemtherapeutenis a healthcare professional specializing in the assessment, treatment, and management of patients with cardiopulmonary disease.

They work under the direction of physicians to diagnose and treat patients with breathing problems such as:

  • Asma
  • COPD
  • emphysema
  • Bronchitis
  • cystic fibrosis
  • pulmonary infection

Respiratory therapists also provide emergency care for patients suffering from heart attacks, strokes and other life-threatening conditions. You can work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities and home care facilities.

Additionally, respiratory therapists play a critical role in improving patient outcomes and overall quality of life by helping patients breathe easier and achieve optimal lung function.

professional duties

A respiratory therapist's responsibilities can vary by facility, but generally include the following:

  • Evaluation of patients for lung diseases
  • Aerosol drug delivery
  • delivery of oxygen therapy
  • Lung expansion therapy administration
  • Performing respiratory physiotherapy (CPT)
  • Administration of airway clearance therapy
  • Dealing with patients on the ventilator
  • Assist with endotracheal intubation
  • Collection of arterial blood gases (ABG) samples.
  • Creation and implementation of treatment plans
  • Treatment of patients with tracheostomy
  • Aspirate and analyze sputum
  • Analysis of chest radiographs
  • Assessment of vital signs
  • Performing electrocardiograms (ECG)
  • Performing pulmonary function tests (PFT)
  • Code Blue Response and Emergencies
  • Support for pulmonary rehabilitation
  • Educating patients about smoking cessation

Jobausblick

The field of respiratory medicine is expected to grow much faster than the average for all professions, with a14% increase expected by 2031. This growth is mainly driven by the increasing prevalence of respiratory diseases, particularly in the aging population.

Conditions such as pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other conditions that affect lung function are expected to become more prevalent, leading to increased demand for respiratory physiotherapy services and treatments.

This demand will be primarily in hospitals, which is where most physiotherapists currently work, but there may also be increased demand for physiotherapists in health clinics and doctors' offices as healthcare professionals increasingly focus on reducing hospital readmissions and in increasing patient care in outpatient settings to provide facilities.

OSBVprojects that there will be an average of about 9,400 jobs for respiratory therapists annually over the next decade.

While this is a positive sign for job seekers in this field, it is important to note that many of these vacancies are due to the need to replace workers who are transitioning to other occupations or retiring from the workforce.

CRT x RRT content

ACertified Respiratory Therapist (CRT)has an entry qualification, which is obtained by passing the National Council examination with a low score. ARegistered Respiratory Therapist (RRT), on the other hand, has a more advanced credential gained from passing two National Board exams.

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Salaries forboth testimonialsmay vary due to many factors; In general, however, RRTs earn higher salaries than CRTs on average.

Observation:The RRT qualification is preferred by most employers as it demonstrates a higher level of knowledge and competence. Additionally, RRTs may be considered for positions where CRTs are blocked, such as B. Management and supervisory roles. These positions also often come with a higher salary.

Salary as a travel therapist

ATravel Respiratory Therapistis an accredited professional who works under contract for a temporary period in several health units in several states or regions of the country.

They work as independent contractors or through recruitment agencies that specialize in travel health-related jobs.

Travel respiratory therapists can earn higher salaries than regular respiratory therapists because of the demand for their services in different locations and the short-term nature of their contracts. AccordinglyZip-RecruiterThe average salary for a Travel Physiotherapist is around$ 66,00per hour, which corresponds to an annual salary of approx.137.000 $per annum.

However, a travel respiratory therapist salary can vary based on location, experience, and specific job requirements.

In addition, traveling respiratory therapists may receive additional benefits such as paid accommodation, travel expenses and health insurance coverage.

Common questions

What is the starting salary for a respiratory therapist?

As mentioned earlier, the median annual salary for respiratory therapists is approximately $61,330. However, the bottom 10% of respiratory therapists earned less than $47,380 a year, while the top 10% earned more than $95,540 a year.

In general, respiratory therapists who are just beginning their careers can expect salaries at the lower end of this range. However, with experience and additional training, respiratory therapists can increase their earning potential over time.

What affects a respiratory therapist's salary?

Several factors can affect a respiratory therapist's salary, including:

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  • Location:The cost of living and demand for respiratory therapists in a specific geographic area can affect salaries.
  • Experience:Respiratory therapists with more experience are generally better paid than those who are just starting out.
  • Education and certificates:Respiratory therapists with additional certifications, credentials, or advanced degrees can earn higher salaries.
  • Employer type:For example, respiratory therapists employed in hospitals may earn higher salaries than those employed in outpatient care centers.
  • Specialization:Respiratory therapists who specialize in a specific area, such as B. Newborn or daycare, can earn higher salaries.
  • switching differences:Respiratory therapists who work night shifts or weekends may earn higher wages due to shift differences.

It is important to note that these factors may not have the same weight or impact on wages across regions and institutions, and wage negotiations may vary by employer and individual circumstances.

Does location affect a respiratory therapist's salary?

Yes, salaries can vary significantly from state to state and even within different regions of the same state. This is because factors such as the cost of living, demand for respiratory therapists, and local healthcare industry standards can all affect the salaries offered in a given field.

For example, states with higher living costs may offer higher salaries to offset higher expenses, while areas with greater demand for physical therapists may offer higher salaries to attract more qualified applicants.

Are there job offers in the area of ​​respiratory physiotherapy?

Yes, there are many job opportunities in the field of respiratory physiotherapy. Indeed, as mentioned earlier, the career prospects for respiratory therapists are quite positive.

According toUS Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for respiratory therapists is expected to grow by 14% through 2031. This rate is much faster than the average for all professions.

As such, job opportunities for respiratory therapists are expected to remain strong for years to come, making this an attractive career path for those interested in the healthcare field.

final thoughts

The average annual salary of a respiratory therapist is approx.$61,830 per year; However, the amount can vary significantly based on a number of factors including location, experience, education and the type of facility they work in.

Respiratory therapists working in certain states or metropolitan areas can earn wages significantly higher than the national average, while those working in rural areas or less populated states may earn less.

In addition, respiratory therapists withadvanced degrees or certificatesmay have greater earning potential than those with just an associate's degree.

Overall, a respiratory therapist salary can provide a comfortable life and rewarding career, especially for those who are passionate about helping others. As the demand for healthcare professionals continues to grow, respiratory therapy is a promising field with strong job growth and competitive salaries.

Read our complete guide toPros and Cons of a Respiratory Therapistlearn more. Thanks for reading and take a deep breath as always my friend.

FAQs

What is the highest pay for RRT? ›

Respiratory Therapist Salary. $66,000 is the 25th percentile. Salaries below this are outliers. $117,000 is the 75th percentile.

What is the future outlook for respiratory therapist? ›

Given future health care needs, this field has promising job prospects. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 13.6% employment growth for respiratory therapists between 2021 and 2031. In that period, an estimated 18,400 jobs should open up. Respiratory therapists care for patients with heart and lung problems.

What is the hardest part of being a respiratory therapist? ›

You Have to Work Long Hours

One of the biggest downsides of being a respiratory therapist is that you'll most likely be required to work long hours. Like nurses and other healthcare workers, RTs are required to work 12-hours shifts.

Do respiratory therapists make 6 figures? ›

How Much Money Do Respiratory Therapists Make? The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that respiratory therapists make a median salary of $61,830 each year or $29.73 per hour.

Is the RRT exam hard? ›

The NBRC clinical simulation exam has the distinction of being the hardest exam to pass of all allied health fields. This includes nursing, radiology, physical therapy and laboratory technician board exams.

Which is harder nursing or respiratory therapy? ›

From speaking with medical professionals who have gone through both programs, most claim that nursing school was more challenging (for them) than the respiratory therapy program. Again, this is definitely not always the case. It really depends on your location and the program that you're interested in.

Is CRT higher than RRT? ›

Certified respiratory therapists (CRTs) hold an entry-level certification, while registered respiratory therapists (RRTs) hold a more advanced certification. Aspiring professionals can become either a CRT or RRT credential by completing an accredited respiratory therapy program.

How much does a New York RRT make? ›

The average salary for a respiratory therapist in New York is $76,000 per year. Respiratory therapist salaries in New York can vary between $29,500 to $125,500 and depend on various factors, including skills, experience, employer, bonuses, tips, and more.

What is the lowest salary for respiratory therapist? ›

$39,169 is the 25th percentile. Salaries below this are outliers. $120,445 is the 90th percentile.

Why are respiratory therapists in high demand? ›

Employment of respiratory therapists is projected to grow by 23 percent through 2030, much faster than other health-related occupations, with about 10,100 openings each year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The high demand is partly due to the country's aging population and change in air quality.

Why choose respiratory therapy? ›

You Can Work with All Types of Patients

You may work with seniors who have emphysema, or premature infants with cardio-pulmonary disorders. You may help those with asthma, chronic respiratory disease, and heart disease, too — as they all require the help of a Respiratory Therapist.

Is respiratory therapy a lot of math? ›

Yes, respiratory therapists need to be good at math. Its application is required in a number of tasks such as calibrating equipment, graph reading and doing temperature conversions, amongst other things.

Is respiratory therapy interesting? ›

Respiratory therapy is an amazing career for anyone passionate about helping others and making a difference in the lives of those around them. With plenty of growth opportunities, respiratory therapists can find themselves working in various settings, from critical care to home health.

What is a big part of a respiratory care therapist's job? ›

Respiratory therapists typically do the following: Interview and examine patients with breathing or cardiopulmonary disorders. Consult with physicians about patients' conditions and developing treatment plans. Perform diagnostic tests.

Where are most respiratory therapists employed? ›

Respiratory therapists work in hospitals, cardiopulmonary diagnostic labs, cardiopulmonary rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, and home health agencies; however, about 75% of respiratory therapists are employed by hospitals.

How many respiratory therapists are there in the US? ›

There are approximately 135,800 respiratory therapists employed in the United States. The job outlook for respiratory therapists is much faster than average, with a projected growth of 14% by 2031.

How much do respiratory therapists make at UCLA? ›

Average UCLA Health Respiratory Therapist yearly pay in the United States is approximately $83,000, which is 38% above the national average.

How much do respiratory therapists make in Los Angeles? ›

The average salary for a respiratory therapist in Los Angeles County, CA is $79,500 per year. Respiratory therapist salaries in Los Angeles County, CA can vary between $28,500 to $130,000 and depend on various factors, including skills, experience, employer, bonuses, tips, and more.

What is the passing score for the RRT exam? ›

Respiratory therapists must score 66% to pass. If the second higher cut score of 72% is met, the NBRC awards a CRT certificate, and the therapist is eligible to take the Clinical Simulation Exam for RRT certification.

How many times can you fail NBRC exam? ›

Do I have to wait between attempts of the examination? As indicated in the table below, candidates may attempt the Therapist Multiple-Choice and Clinical Simulation Examinations three times, after which the candidate will be required to wait a minimum of 120 days between any subsequent attempt.

How long does it take to study for RT? ›

The process of how to become a respiratory therapist takes a minimum of two years if you obtain your associates degree. However, many employers favor candidates who have a bachelor's degree in the field, which takes about four years to complete.

What is the hardest nursing profession? ›

The most stressful nursing jobs include ICU nurse, ER nurse, and NICU nurse. In these roles, nurses work in an intense environment with high stakes.

What is the hardest thing a nurse has to do? ›

Seeing the death of their patients.

"Seeing those patients you took care of die and how devastating it is to the family" is the hardest part of being a nurse, said Melissa, a nurse from Oklahoma city.

Which is better A * or RRT? ›

Overall A*'s path length is more optimal and generation time is shorter than RRT projecting A* as a better candidate for online 3D path planning of UAVs.

What is the difference between A * and RRT *? ›

A* algorithm is a well-known method in motion planning problems which can find the optimum path between two point in a finite time. In contrast the RRT family algorithm, by random sampling from the environment, converges to a collision-free path.

How do I convert CRT to RRT? ›

After passing the exam with at least a 75%, the CRT credential is awarded and the therapist must then apply for state license. After completing the CRT national credential, the therapist is then eligible to sit for the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) Written Exam and Clinical Simulation exam.

How much does a RRT earn in NJ? ›

The average Registered Respiratory Therapist salary in New Jersey is $82,083 as of May 01, 2023, but the range typically falls between $74,583 and $89,235.

How much does NYU Langone pay respiratory therapists? ›

Average NYU Langone Health Respiratory Therapist yearly pay in New York State is approximately $79,664, which is 33% above the national average.

How much does a RRT earn in Miami? ›

As of May 16, 2023, the average annual pay for a Respiratory Therapist in Miami is $92,085 a year.

How much does RRT pay in Tennessee? ›

The average Registered Respiratory Therapist salary in Tennessee is $68,543 as of May 01, 2023, but the range typically falls between $62,280 and $74,515.

What is the salary for a RRT in Colorado? ›

How much does a Registered Respiratory Therapist make in Colorado? The average Registered Respiratory Therapist salary in Colorado is $75,328 as of May 01, 2023, but the range typically falls between $68,445 and $81,891.

How much does a RRT earn in San Jose? ›

As of May 01, 2023, the average Respiratory Therapist salary in San Jose, CA is $116,814. The chart below represents localized salaries for some of our most popular Respiratory Therapist job titles in San Jose, CA.

What is the median salary for a respiratory therapist in Ohio? ›

$57,132 is the 25th percentile. Salaries below this are outliers. $108,780 is the 75th percentile.

How much does a respiratory therapist make in Indiana? ›

What is the average salary for a respiratory therapist in Indiana? The average salary for a respiratory therapist in Indiana is $63,000 per year. Respiratory therapist salaries in Indiana can vary between $28,500 to $114,000 and depend on various factors, including skills, experience, employer, bonuses, tips, and more.

What is the best state to be a respiratory therapist? ›

Respiratory Therapist Salary By State FAQs

The highest-paid state for respiratory therapists is California with an average salary of $76,450 per year.

What does a day in the life of a respiratory therapist look like? ›

As a respiratory therapist, your day-to-day work will be helping patients who are suffering from breathing difficulties and airway problems, this can range in a variety of ways: Interviewing and examining patients who come into the hospital with a complaint about trouble breathing.

Is respiratory care the same as respiratory therapist? ›

A Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP), also known as a Respiratory Therapist, is a licensed specialist trained in providing care to patients with heart and lung disorders. There are more than 100,000 RCPs in the United States.

How much do RTs make in NC? ›

The average salary for a respiratory therapist in North Carolina is $60,500 per year.

How much do respiratory therapists get paid near Portland OR? ›

The average Registered Respiratory Therapist salary in Portland, OR is $77,678 as of May 01, 2023, but the range typically falls between $70,580 and $84,445.

What is the starting pay for RT in Texas? ›

$54,964 is the 25th percentile. Salaries below this are outliers. $104,652 is the 75th percentile.

How much do RTS make in Ohio? ›

How much does a Registered Respiratory Therapist make in Ohio? The average Registered Respiratory Therapist salary in Ohio is $73,126 as of May 01, 2023, but the range typically falls between $66,445 and $79,497.

How much do RTS make in Colorado? ›

The average salary for a respiratory therapist in Colorado is around $62,220 per year.

How much do RTS make in PA? ›

How much does a Respiratory Therapist make in Pennsylvania? As of May 7, 2023, the average annual pay for a Respiratory Therapist in Pennsylvania is $68,241 a year.

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