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

respiratory therapistsThey play an important role in the healthcare industry by helping patients who are suffering from respiratory problems or respiratory diseases.

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

while theDemand for respiratory therapistsAs wages continue to rise, the wages 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 RT aspirants understand the earning potential of this rewarding career.

How much does a Respiratory Therapist make?

A respiratory therapist's salary can vary based on several factors, including experience, location, education, and the type of facility in which they work.

In accordance withUS Bureau of Labor Statistics, is the average annual salary for respiratory therapists in the United States61.830 $per year, which is approximately29,73 $per hour. The bottom 10% of respiratory therapists made less than $47,380 a year, while the top 10% made 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
  • Measurements: $56,520
  • Mountain: $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
  • North Dakota: $61,570
  • Ohio: 59.380 $
  • Oklahoma: $57,940
  • Oregon: $72,200
  • Pennsylvania: $58,570
  • Puerto Rico: $24,880
  • Rhode Island: 67.890 $
  • South Carolina: $58,860
  • Dakota del Sur: $52,870
  • Tennessee: $53,570
  • Tejas: 60.590 $
  • Utah: 62.610 $
  • Vermont: 63.630 $
  • Virginia: 62.080$
  • Washington: 74.850 $
  • Virginia Occidental: $51,250
  • Wisconsin: 65.940 $
  • Wyoming: 60.290 $

What state is best for respiratory therapists?

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

  • cost of living
  • Job availability
  • geographic climate
  • personal lifestyle

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

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

The 10 Highest-Paying States for Respiratory Therapists

Here is a list of the states that pay the best 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 the wage differences between states is the difference in the cost of living. States with high cost of living like California and Massachusetts, for example, tend to have higher salaries for respiratory therapists to offset the higher cost of living.

Additionally, states with a higher 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.

Top 10 States That Pay Least For Respiratory Therapists

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

  1. Kentucky: 50.300 $
  2. Alabama: $50,790
  3. Mississippi: $50,990
  4. Virginia Occidental: $51,250
  5. Dakota del Sur: $52,870
  6. Tennessee: $53,570
  7. Arkansas: $55,480
  8. Iowa: 55.480 $
  9. Louisiana: $55,650
  10. Measurements: $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 an oversupply of qualified respiratory therapists in the area.

It's important to note that while these states have lower wages, they may also have lower living expenses that can offset lower earnings.

What is a respiratory therapist?

Arespiratory therapistsis a health professional specialized in the evaluation, treatment and management of patients with cardiopulmonary diseases.

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

  • Asma
  • COPD
  • emphysema
  • Bronchitis
  • cystic fibrosis
  • lung 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.

In addition, 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

The responsibilities of a respiratory therapist may vary by facility, but generally include the following:

  • Evaluation of patients for lung diseases
  • Aerosol drug delivery
  • oxygen therapy supply
  • Administration of lung expansion therapy
  • Performing respiratory physiotherapy (CPT)
  • Administration of airway clearance therapy
  • Dealing with patients on the ventilator
  • Assist with endotracheal intubation
  • Collection of arterial blood gas (ABG) samples.
  • Creation and implementation of treatment plans.
  • Treatment of patients with tracheostomy
  • Aspirate and analyze sputum
  • Analysis of chest x-rays
  • Assessment of vital signs
  • Performing electrocardiograms (ECG)
  • Performing Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs)
  • Code Blue Response and Emergencies
  • Support for pulmonary rehabilitation
  • Educate patients to quit smoking

Jobausblick

The field of respiratory medicine is expected to grow much faster than the average for all professions, with a14% increase expected for 2031. This growth is mainly due to 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 average about 9,400 jobs for respiratory therapists annually for the next decade.

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

CRT x TRR content

ACertified Respiratory Therapist (CRT)has an entrance qualification, which is obtained by passing the National Council examination with a low mark. TORegistered Respiratory Therapist (RRT), on the other hand, has a more advanced credential earned by passing two National Board exams.

wages forboth testimonialsit can vary due to many factors; However, in general, RRTs earn higher salaries than CRTs on average.

Observation:Most employers prefer RRT certification as it demonstrates a higher level of knowledge and competence. Additionally, RRTs may be considered for positions where CRTs are locked in, such as B. Management and supervisory roles. These positions also often have a higher salary.

Salary as a travel therapist.

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

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

Travel respiratory therapists can earn higher salaries than regular respiratory therapists due to the demand for their services in different locations and the short-term nature of their contracts. OKzip-recruiterThe average salary of a travel physiotherapist is around$ 66,00per hour, which corresponds to an annual salary of approx.137.000 $by year.

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 lodging, travel expenses, and health insurance coverage.

Frequent questions

What is the Starting Salary for a Respiratory Therapist?

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

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

What affects the salary of a respiratory therapist?

Several factors can affect the salary of a respiratory therapist, including:

  • Location:The cost of living and the demand for respiratory therapists in a specific geographic area can affect salaries.
  • Experience:More experienced respiratory therapists are generally better paid than those just starting out.
  • Education and certificates:Respiratory therapists with additional certifications, credentials, or advanced degrees may 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 day care, can earn higher salaries.
  • switching differences:Respiratory therapists who work evening or weekend shifts may earn higher salaries due to shift differences.

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

Does location affect the salary of a respiratory therapist?

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, the demand for respiratory therapists, and local healthcare industry standards can affect the salaries offered in a given field.

For example, states with higher costs of living may offer higher salaries to offset higher expenses, while areas with higher 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. In fact, as mentioned above, the career outlook for respiratory therapists is quite positive.

In accordance withUS Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of respiratory therapists is expected to grow 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 at.

Respiratory therapists who work in certain states or metropolitan areas may earn salaries significantly higher than the national average, while those who work in rural areas or less populated states may earn less.

In addition, respiratory therapists withadvanced degrees or certificatesthey may have higher 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 wages.

Read our full guide toPros and cons of a respiratory therapistLearn more. Thanks for reading and take a deep breath as always my friend.

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