Average Registered Respiratory Therapist Salary

$32.54/hour

The average salary for a Registered Respiratory Therapist is $32.54 per hour. This is 18% lower than the practicing US average of $38.37.

Last updated on December 21, 2025. Based on active jobs on Vivian.com.

Salaries for Registered Respiratory Therapist compared to Allied Health Professional National Averages

$32.54/hour

18% lower than the practicing US average.

$38.37/hour

United States

Where do Registered Respiratory Therapists get paid the most?
StateAverage Hourly SalaryMax Hourly Salary
Idaho$48$62
Colorado$43$57
Arizona$39$50
Texas$37$49
New Hampshire$37$45
Michigan$34$38
Virginia$32$37
Missouri$32$46
Kansas$30$36
Georgia$29$40
Florida$28$36
Tennessee$25$31
What are the highest paying Employers and Agencies for Registered Respiratory Therapist jobs?

Last updated on December 21, 2025. Information based on active jobs on Vivian.com and pay data from BLS and around the web.

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Registered Respiratory Therapist Career Guide

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Registered Respiratory Therapist FAQs

What professional certifications can potentially increase my salary as a Registered Respiratory Therapist?

Earning your Registered Pulmonary Function Technologist (RPFT), RRT - Adult Critical Care Specialty (RRT-ACCS), Certified Pulmonary Function Technologist (CPFT), Sleep Disorders Specialist (CRT-SDS or RRT-SDS) or Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP) often increases your salary potential as a registered respiratory therapist or makes you eligible for another position with greater responsibilities, which also might include a bump in wages.

Can having a Registered Pulmonary Function Technologist (RPFT) boost my salary as a Registered Respiratory Therapist?

Yes, having a Registered Pulmonary Function Technologist (RPFT) or any relevant professional certification has the potential to boost your salary as a registered respiratory therapist.

Can having a RRT - Adult Critical Care Specialty (RRT-ACCS) boost my salary as a Registered Respiratory Therapist?

Yes, having a RRT - Adult Critical Care Specialty (RRT-ACCS) or any relevant professional certification has the potential to boost your salary as a registered respiratory therapist.

Can having a Certified Pulmonary Function Technologist (CPFT) boost my salary as a Registered Respiratory Therapist?

Yes, having a Certified Pulmonary Function Technologist (CPFT) or any relevant professional certification has the potential to boost your salary as a registered respiratory therapist.

Can having a Sleep Disorders Specialist (CRT-SDS or RRT-SDS) boost my salary as a Registered Respiratory Therapist?

Yes, having a Sleep Disorders Specialist (CRT-SDS or RRT-SDS) or any relevant professional certification has the potential to boost your salary as a registered respiratory therapist.

Can having a Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP) boost my salary as a Registered Respiratory Therapist?

Yes, having a Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP) or any relevant professional certification has the potential to boost your salary as a registered respiratory therapist.

Where can I learn more about working as a Registered Respiratory Therapist?

Take a look at Vivian's Registered Respiratory Therapist Career Guide for more information, including required education, responsibilities, pros and cons and more.