What Respiratory Therapists Do — And Why It Matters
Respiratory therapists help people breathe. Simple as that, but the impact is massive. They treat everything from asthma and sleep apnea to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and cystic fibrosis. When someone’s lungs can’t do their job, respiratory therapists step in — often in critical situations.
They run diagnostic tests, manage ventilators, and work side-by-side with doctors in emergency rooms, ICUs, and neonatal units. Whether it’s caring for premature infants in the NICU or helping reduce hospital readmissions for elderly patients, their role is central to respiratory care and patient outcomes.
Most start their careers with an associate degree in respiratory therapy, pass the CRT exam, and later become registered respiratory therapists (RRTs) through the National Board for Respiratory Care. That next step, from CRT to RRT, often opens doors to higher pay and more specialized roles.
What’s the Average Salary for Respiratory Therapists in 2025?
The average annual salary for a respiratory therapist in the U.S. is $80,450. On an hourly basis, that’s about $36.68. But depending on where you work and how long you’ve been doing it, that number can swing quite a bit.
Top earners (the top 10%) bring home more than $108,000, while entry-level therapists typically start around $50,000 to $60,000.
| Percentile | Annual Salary | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Lowest 10% | $61,900 | $29.76 |
| Average (Median) | $70,540 | $33.91 |
| Top 10% | $108,820 | $52.32 |
Respiratory therapists earn competitive salaries, especially considering the relatively short path to entry compared to other healthcare professionals. And with a growing number of patients needing lung care, thanks to aging populations, rising air pollution, and lingering post-COVID conditions, demand is only climbing.
Where You Work Matters: State-by-State Pay Breakdown
Location is one of the biggest salary factors for respiratory therapists. Some states pay nearly $40,000 more than others. Want to earn six figures? Think Pacific Northwest or Northeast.
Top-Paying States for Respiratory Therapists in 2025
| State | Annual Salary | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Washington | $115,113 | $55.34 |
| District of Columbia | $114,851 | $55.22 |
| New York | $111,193 | $53.46 |
| Massachusetts | $110,999 | $53.36 |
| Alaska | $109,456 | $52.62 |
And here’s the flip side, states like Florida, Arkansas, and West Virginia tend to fall below the national average, often under $80,000 annually.
How Experience Impacts Your Paycheck
This is where things get exciting. Experience pays. Big time.
Here’s what respiratory therapists typically earn based on years on the job:
| Experience | Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0–2 years | $50,000–$60,000 |
| 3–7 years | $65,000–$80,000 |
| 8–15 years | $85,000–$95,000 |
| 15+ years | $90,000–$110,000+ |
Skilled respiratory therapists who’ve been in the field for over a decade — especially those in management or educator roles — often break six figures. And if you combine experience with advanced certifications or move into teaching, your income can rise even further.
Specialties and Certifications That Boost Salary
If you’re an RRT with additional certifications in areas like neonatal care, critical care, or pulmonary diagnostics, you’re likely to earn significantly more than a generalist. Hospitals love specialists and they pay accordingly.
Examples of High-Demand Specialties:
- NICU or Pediatric Respiratory Care
- Trauma and Emergency Respiratory Therapy
- Sleep Studies and Polysomnography
- Pulmonary Rehab and Diagnostics
- ECMO Management
Many hospitals pay bonuses or higher base salaries to therapists who hold credentials like:
- ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support)
- NPS (Neonatal/Pediatric Specialist)
- CPFT (Certified Pulmonary Function Technologist)
If you’re wondering where to start, focus on earning your registered respiratory therapist title. It’s a strong career accelerator — and many employers now require it for advancement.
Who You Work For Changes Everything
The type of employer affects your pay just as much as location and credentials.
Hospitals, especially large academic centers tend to offer higher pay, full benefits, and growth opportunities. Meanwhile, physician offices and long-term care facilities usually offer lower base salaries.
| Employer Type | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Major Hospitals | $85,000–$110,000 |
| Physician Offices | $65,000–$75,000 |
| Government Facilities | $75,000–$90,000 |
| Outpatient Clinics | $70,000–$85,000 |
| Travel/Contract Roles | $95,000–$120,000+ |
Per diem and travel respiratory therapists often earn 10–30% more per hour, trading consistent hours and benefits for flexibility and higher rates.
If you’re comfortable with change, or looking to explore multiple states, travel gigs can be a great way to level up fast.
How to Earn More as a Respiratory Therapist
Want to boost your income? Good news: You’ve got options.
Here are proven ways to increase your respiratory therapist salary:
- Upgrade to RRT status if you’re still a CRT
- Earn additional certifications in neonatal, critical care, or sleep therapy
- Pursue a bachelor’s degree (or even a master’s degree) for leadership or teaching roles
- Relocate to higher-paying states or urban hospitals
- Work per diem or take travel contracts for higher hourly rates
Example: A therapist in Georgia with an associate degree earning $85,000 could become an RRT, specialize in NICU, and take a travel role in Washington. That could push their income past $110,000 per year.
Typical Qs
Below are common questions asked.
How does working in a rural vs. urban hospital affect a respiratory therapist’s salary?
Urban hospitals usually pay more. But rural hospitals sometimes offer bonuses like housing stipends or loan forgiveness to attract skilled respiratory therapists.
Are there salary differences for respiratory therapists working in specialty areas (like neonatal or critical care)?
Yes. Specialties increase salary. Therapists trained in neonatal, pediatric, or critical care often earn bonuses or higher base pay.
How do per diem and contract respiratory therapist roles compare in pay to full-time staff positions?
Per diem and contract therapists earn more hourly, often 10–30% higher. But they trade that for fewer benefits and less predictable hours.
Final Thoughts
Respiratory therapy is a rewarding career that pays well, offers job stability, and makes a real difference in people’s lives.
As breathing disorders increase and the healthcare industry expands, demand for respiratory therapists is rising fast. Whether you’re just starting out or planning your next move, this career offers flexibility, high pay, and the chance to specialize in areas that truly matter, like emergency care, premature infants, and chronic lung disease.
Want to earn more? Get certified. Get specialized. Or get moving to a high-paying state.
