Respiratory Therapist Salary: How Much Do They Make in 2026?
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The median respiratory therapist salary in the United States is $82,280 a year, or about $39.56 an hour. Pay rises with experience, certification, and location, reaching well into six figures in the top-paying states and California metro areas. That places the career comfortably above the national median wage for all occupations, and with employment growing faster than average, the earning outlook is stable.
These four are only a sample of what Dreambound lists. To find programs in your state, browse respiratory therapist schools near you. You can also compare the cheapest and fastest options or online programs by cost, length, and format.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a respiratory therapist make an hour?
Respiratory therapists earn a median of about $39.56 an hour nationwide, based on May 2025 data. Entry-level RTs typically start lower, while experienced or specialty-certified therapists earn more. Hourly pay also rises with night and weekend shift differentials.
Does a respiratory therapist make a lot of money?
Respiratory therapy pays well for a field you can enter with an associate degree. The median is $82,280 a year, well above what the typical U.S. worker earns. Earning an RRT credential and gaining experience push pay higher still.
What is the highest-paying state for respiratory therapists?
The District of Columbia leads at $111,950 a year, followed by New York at $107,810 and California at $104,820. Massachusetts and Washington round out the top five. Strong demand and a high cost of living drive pay in these states.
Are respiratory therapists in demand in the United States?
Yes. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects respiratory therapist employment to grow 12% from 2024 to 2034, much faster than average, with about 8,800 openings each year. An aging population and rising rates of chronic respiratory conditions keep demand steady.
Is Respiratory Therapy Worth It?
Respiratory therapy stands out as one of the better-paid healthcare careers you can start with a two-year degree, and the pay only climbs as you earn the RRT and move into specialty roles or higher-cost markets. For most people, the real question is not whether the money is there, but whether the work fits their strengths.
If the numbers make sense for you, the next move is finding an accredited program that matches your budget and schedule, then getting started.
