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Respiratory Therapist Salary Guide (2026)

Explore salary ranges, in-demand skills, valuable certifications, and career progression for respiratory therapist roles across the healthcare industry.

Avg. Salary

$60,000 - $82,000

Level

Mid Level

Salary Range

Low

$60,000

Midpoint

$71,000

High

$82,000

$0$200,000
Experience level: Mid Level

Key Skills

The most in-demand skills for respiratory therapist roles, based on current job postings.

Mechanical VentilationArterial Blood Gas AnalysisAirway ManagementBronchoscopy AssistancePulmonary Function TestingOxygen TherapyPatient AssessmentVentilator Weaning ProtocolsNeonatal Respiratory CareEmergency Response

Certifications That Boost Salary

These certifications are commonly associated with higher compensation for respiratory therapist roles.

Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT)
Adult Critical Care Specialist (ACCS)
Neonatal/Pediatric Specialist (NPS)

Career Progression in Healthcare

Related roles in healthcare sorted by salary. Explore each to compare compensation and skills.

Pharmacist

Mid-Level
$120,000 - $155,000

Clinical Pharmacist

Mid-Senior Level
$120,000 - $155,000

Optometrist

Mid-Senior Level
$110,000 - $150,000

Nurse Practitioner

Mid-Senior Level
$100,000 - $140,000

Physician Assistant

Mid-Senior Level
$105,000 - $135,000

Veterinarian

Mid-Senior Level
$100,000 - $140,000

Medical Device Engineer

Mid-Senior Level
$90,000 - $140,000

Healthcare Administrator

Senior Level
$90,000 - $130,000

Psychologist

Senior Level
$90,000 - $130,000

Health Informatics Specialist

Mid-Level
$80,000 - $120,000

Physical Therapist

Mid-Senior Level
$80,000 - $105,000

Chiropractor

Mid-Senior Level
$70,000 - $110,000

Occupational Therapist

Mid-Senior Level
$78,000 - $100,000

Healthcare Data Analyst

Mid-Level
$70,000 - $105,000

Speech-Language Pathologist

Mid-Level
$65,000 - $100,000

Dental Hygienist

Mid Level
$70,000 - $95,000

Registered Nurse

Mid-Level
$65,000 - $95,000

Dietitian

Mid Level
$58,000 - $78,000

Clinical Research Coordinator

Mid-Level
$55,000 - $80,000

Radiology Technician

Mid Level
$55,000 - $75,000

Medical Office Manager

Mid-Senior Level
$52,000 - $78,000

Mental Health Counselor

Mid-Senior Level
$50,000 - $75,000

Medical Coder

Mid Level
$48,000 - $65,000

Surgical Technologist

Mid Level
$48,000 - $65,000

Patient Advocate

Mid-Level
$45,000 - $68,000

Lab Technician

Entry Level
$45,000 - $60,000

Medical Biller

Mid Level
$40,000 - $55,000

Medical Assistant

Entry Level
$35,000 - $45,000

Emergency Medical Technician

Entry Level
$32,000 - $45,000

Home Health Aide

Entry-Mid Level
$28,000 - $38,000

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