Respiratory therapists are healthcare professionals who evaluate, treat, and manage patients with breathing disorders and cardiopulmonary conditions.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for respiratory therapists (SOC 29-1126) is approximately $70,540, which equates to roughly $33.91 per hour.
This places respiratory therapy among the higher-paying allied health occupations accessible without a doctoral degree.
The BLS projects 13% employment growth through 2032, significantly faster than average, with approximately 11,600 job openings expected annually.
Key factors influencing compensation include clinical setting (ICU vs. general acute vs. home care), credential level (CRT vs. RRT), geographic region, shift differentials, and years of experience.
Registered Respiratory Therapists (RRT) — the advanced credential — typically earn notably more than those holding only the Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) credential.
For other rehabilitation-focused allied health salaries, compare the physical therapist salary, the occupational therapist salary, and the speech therapist salary.
Respiratory Therapist Salary Overview (2026)
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics data for SOC 29-1126 provides the following wage distribution for respiratory therapists as of 2026. These figures reflect all employment settings and credential levels within the occupation.
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th | $50,300 | $24.18 |
| 25th | $59,600 | $28.65 |
| 50th (Median) | $70,540 | $33.91 |
| 75th | $83,900 | $40.34 |
| 90th | $98,700 | $47.45 |
All wage data is sourced from BLS OEWS and is subject to annual revision. Figures represent the full United States and do not account for regional cost-of-living variation.
To see exactly how wages like $33 an hour translate to annual, monthly, and after-tax take-home, our guide on $33 an hour is how much a year breaks down every pay period. For other rates in the range above, browse our hourly wage conversion guide index.
Respiratory Therapist Pay by Experience
Experience level substantially shapes respiratory therapist compensation.
Entry-level therapists who recently completed an accredited associate or bachelor's program and obtained CRT or RRT credential typically start in the $50,000–$60,000 range.
Mid-career therapists with five or more years of experience, particularly those working in critical care settings, generally earn $65,000–$80,000.
Senior practitioners in leadership, education, or advanced specialty roles may exceed $90,000.
| Experience Level | Typical Annual Range |
|---|---|
| Entry (0–2 years, CRT) | $50,000–$60,000 |
| Mid-Career (3–9 years, RRT) | $65,000–$80,000 |
| Senior (10+ years, specialty) | $82,000–$100,000+ |
CRT vs. RRT Credential Pay Differences
The National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) offers two primary credentials: the Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT), which is the entry-level credential, and the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT), the advanced-practice credential requiring passage of a clinical simulation exam.
RRT holders typically earn 8%–15% more than CRT-only practitioners in comparable roles.
Many hospital employers now require or strongly prefer the RRT for ICU and critical care positions.
Additional specialty credentials — such as the RRT-ACCS (Adult Critical Care Specialist) or RRT-NPS (Neonatal/Pediatric Specialist) — may further increase compensation in specialized units.
Respiratory Therapist Salary by State and Region
Geographic location creates meaningful wage variation for respiratory therapists. BLS state-level OEWS data consistently shows higher wages in states with elevated costs of living, robust hospital systems, and strong union representation in healthcare.
| State | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| California | $95,200 |
| New Jersey | $88,700 |
| Massachusetts | $85,100 |
| Alaska | $82,600 |
| New York | $81,300 |
Rural hospitals and home care agencies in the Midwest and South generally pay 15%–25% below the national median.
However, some rural facilities offer sign-on bonuses and loan repayment programs to attract licensed respiratory therapists to underserved areas.
Therapists weighing Alaska's above-average wages against its unique lifestyle and expenses should review the cost of living in Alaska.
Those comparing California's premium wages with its expenses can consult the cost of living in California guide.
Factors Affecting Respiratory Therapist Pay
Beyond experience and geography, several factors materially influence a respiratory therapist's total compensation.
Clinical Setting
Hospital-based respiratory therapists, particularly those working in intensive care units, neonatal ICUs, or emergency departments, typically earn more than those in outpatient pulmonary rehabilitation or home care settings.
ICU-focused therapists with RRT-ACCS credentials may command wages in the upper quartile of the occupation's pay distribution.
Home care and long-term care settings generally pay at the lower end of the range.
Shift Differentials and Overtime
Respiratory therapists frequently work rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
Shift differential pay — typically 10%–20% above base — can add $5,000–$12,000 to annual earnings.
Respiratory therapy is an on-call intensive field during respiratory illness surges, so overtime opportunities are common and can significantly boost total annual compensation.
Travel Therapy Assignments
Respiratory therapists who accept travel therapy contracts through staffing agencies may earn substantially more than permanently employed counterparts, with all-in packages (including housing stipends and travel allowances) frequently reaching $80,000–$120,000 or more annually.
However, travel positions typically lack the stability, pension benefits, and career progression of permanent hospital employment.
Respiratory Therapist Career Outlook
The BLS projects 13% employment growth for respiratory therapists through 2032, which is considerably faster than the average for all occupations.
An estimated 11,600 openings are expected annually over this period.
The primary growth drivers include the aging U.S. population — older adults are more likely to develop chronic respiratory conditions such as COPD and pneumonia — as well as expanded treatment capabilities for conditions including asthma, pulmonary fibrosis, and sleep apnea.
The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the critical importance of respiratory therapy in acute care, and health systems have expanded respiratory therapy staffing in response.
Opportunities in neonatal/pediatric care, critical care transport, and pulmonary rehabilitation are also growing areas within the profession.
Respiratory therapists exploring adjacent career paths may find the physical therapist assistant salary or the massage therapist salary useful for comparison in rehabilitation-focused allied health.
Building long-term savings on an allied health income is feasible — start with reviewing retirement savings goals and appropriate savings benchmarks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median respiratory therapist salary in 2026?
According to BLS data, the median annual wage for respiratory therapists (SOC 29-1126) is approximately $70,540, or about $33.91 per hour. This reflects all employment settings and credential levels across the United States.
How does the RRT credential affect pay compared to the CRT?
Registered Respiratory Therapists (RRT) typically earn 8%–15% more than Certified Respiratory Therapists (CRT) in comparable roles. Many hospital employers require the RRT for critical care and ICU positions, making the advanced credential important for career advancement and higher earnings.
Which states offer the highest respiratory therapist salaries?
According to BLS state-level data, California, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Alaska, and New York consistently rank among the top-paying states for respiratory therapists. California median wages may exceed $95,000, significantly above the national median.
Is respiratory therapy a growing field?
Yes. The BLS projects 13% employment growth through 2032, well above the average for all occupations. Approximately 11,600 openings are expected annually.
Aging demographics, chronic disease prevalence, and expanded acute care needs are primary growth drivers.
Can travel respiratory therapists earn more than staff therapists?
Travel respiratory therapy contracts frequently offer higher gross compensation than permanent staff positions, with all-in packages sometimes reaching $80,000–$120,000 annually when housing and travel stipends are included.
However, travel positions typically do not include retirement benefits or long-term career progression available in permanent roles.
Travel therapists self-managing benefits should open a high-yield savings account for emergency reserves and review negotiating a salary offer guidance before signing travel contracts.
Sources & References
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational Outlook Handbook: Respiratory Therapists. Updated 2024. — https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/respiratory-therapists.htm
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: SOC 29-1126. May 2023. — https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes291126.htm
- O*NET OnLine. Respiratory Therapists (29-1126.00). National Center for O*NET Development. — https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/29-1126.00
Last updated: April 27, 2026