Respiratory Therapists Salary in the United States
As of May 2025, the median annual wage for respiratory therapists in the United States was $82,280 ($39.56 per hour), according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OES survey.
Annual Salary Percentiles
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th | $63,660 | $30.61 |
| 25th | $74,520 | $35.83 |
| Median | $82,280 | $39.56 |
| 75th | $98,730 | $47.47 |
| 90th | $118,050 | $56.75 |
Quick Facts
- Occupational code: 29-1126
- Total U.S. employment: 139,790
- Jobs per 1,000: —
- Hourly salary breakdown
- All-state comparison
Reading the data
The mean wage of $87,300 sits 6.1% above the median — the typical worker earns close to the median, while a smaller group of higher earners pulls the average up.
Respiratory Therapists Salary by State
The table below ranks every state by median annual wage. Click a state for detailed local data.
| State | Median Annual | Median Hourly | vs National | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $66,150 | $31.81 | -19.6% | 2,350 |
| Alaska | $97,950 | $47.09 | +19.0% | 180 |
| Arizona | $79,780 | $38.36 | -3.0% | 3,500 |
| Arkansas | $73,870 | $35.51 | -10.2% | 1,400 |
| California | $104,820 | $50.40 | +27.4% | 18,650 |
| Colorado | $86,220 | $41.45 | +4.8% | 2,110 |
| Connecticut | $85,230 | $40.98 | +3.6% | 1,370 |
| Delaware | $91,080 | $43.79 | +10.7% | 500 |
| District of Columbia | $111,950 | $53.82 | +36.1% | 430 |
| Florida | $81,160 | $39.02 | -1.4% | 8,820 |
| Georgia | $83,700 | $40.24 | +1.7% | 5,150 |
| Hawaii | $94,210 | $45.30 | +14.5% | 510 |
| Idaho | $78,460 | $37.72 | -4.6% | 820 |
| Illinois | $84,090 | $40.43 | +2.2% | 4,880 |
| Indiana | $79,730 | $38.33 | -3.1% | 3,170 |
| Iowa | $74,760 | $35.94 | -9.1% | 910 |
| Kansas | $76,970 | $37.01 | -6.5% | 1,450 |
| Kentucky | $72,750 | $34.98 | -11.6% | 2,530 |
| Louisiana | $75,240 | $36.17 | -8.6% | 2,520 |
| Maine | $82,470 | $39.65 | +0.2% | 520 |
| Maryland | $88,960 | $42.77 | +8.1% | 1,800 |
| Massachusetts | $102,170 | $49.12 | +24.2% | 2,220 |
| Michigan | $79,850 | $38.39 | -3.0% | 4,520 |
| Minnesota | $98,710 | $47.46 | +20.0% | 1,250 |
| Mississippi | $63,270 | $30.42 | -23.1% | 1,670 |
| Missouri | $78,390 | $37.69 | -4.7% | 3,030 |
| Montana | $81,190 | $39.03 | -1.3% | 390 |
| Nebraska | $81,590 | $39.22 | -0.8% | 840 |
| Nevada | $85,480 | $41.10 | +3.9% | 1,270 |
| New Hampshire | $95,940 | $46.13 | +16.6% | 360 |
| New Jersey | $100,810 | $48.47 | +22.5% | 3,350 |
| New Mexico | $68,870 | $33.11 | -16.3% | 840 |
| New York | $107,810 | $51.83 | +31.0% | 7,010 |
| North Carolina | $80,090 | $38.51 | -2.7% | 4,630 |
| North Dakota | $81,230 | $39.06 | -1.3% | 270 |
| Ohio | $79,920 | $38.42 | -2.9% | 6,640 |
| Oklahoma | $78,800 | $37.88 | -4.2% | 2,000 |
| Oregon | $100,560 | $48.34 | +22.2% | 1,340 |
| Pennsylvania | $78,490 | $37.74 | -4.6% | 6,530 |
| Rhode Island | $86,900 | $41.78 | +5.6% | 260 |
| South Carolina | $77,740 | $37.38 | -5.5% | 1,960 |
| South Dakota | $68,240 | $32.81 | -17.1% | 430 |
| Tennessee | $72,140 | $34.68 | -12.3% | 3,440 |
| Texas | $79,540 | $38.24 | -3.3% | 12,130 |
| Utah | $80,650 | $38.77 | -2.0% | 1,170 |
| Vermont | $83,820 | $40.30 | +1.9% | 210 |
| Virginia | $82,910 | $39.86 | +0.8% | 3,340 |
| Washington | $101,130 | $48.62 | +22.9% | 1,860 |
| West Virginia | $68,670 | $33.01 | -16.5% | 1,140 |
| Wisconsin | $84,210 | $40.48 | +2.3% | 1,940 |
| Wyoming | $79,330 | $38.14 | -3.6% | 160 |
Data source: BLS OES state file · U.S. BLS OES survey, May 2025
Related Occupations
- Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers — $53,750/yr
- Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers — $61,010/yr
- Driver/Sales Workers — $38,770/yr
- Billing and Posting Clerks — $48,500/yr
- Bus Drivers, School — $47,920/yr
- Counter and Rental Clerks — $41,300/yr
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for respiratory therapists?
The median annual wage for respiratory therapists is $82,280 ($39.56 per hour), according to the BLS OES survey for May 2025.
Which state pays respiratory therapists the most?
Wages vary by state. Use the state table above to compare median annual pay across all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
How many respiratory therapists are employed in the U.S.?
There are approximately 139,790 respiratory therapists employed nationally, per BLS OES.
How much do respiratory therapists make per hour?
The median hourly wage is $39.56. See the hourly salary page for the full percentile breakdown.