How Much Do Respiratory Therapists Make?
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Respiratory therapists in the United States earn an average annual salary of $80,340, according to recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. With nearly 130,000 professionals employed in this field, respiratory therapy continues to be a vital and well-compensated health care career.
These essential health care workers play a crucial role in helping patients breathe easier. Respiratory therapists assess, treat, and care for individuals with breathing disorders, from premature infants with underdeveloped lungs to elderly patients with chronic respiratory diseases. In this article, we'll take a deeper dive into the world of respiratory therapy, exploring how salaries and job opportunities vary across different regions of the country. We'll also compare this profession to similar roles in the health care field, providing valuable insights for those considering a career in respiratory therapy or looking to advance their current position.
Highest Paying States for Respiratory Therapists
Respiratory therapists can find the most lucrative opportunities in several states across the U.S., with varying average salaries and employment levels. Key takeaways from the data highlight:
- California leads the nation with an average annual salary of $103,060 and an hourly mean wage of $49.55. The state also boasts the highest employment level for respiratory therapists, with 15,480 professionals working in the field.
- New York offers the second-highest average salary of $98,770 annually, with an hourly wage of $47.49, supporting a workforce of 6,540 respiratory therapists.
Other top-paying states include:
- Alaska: $94,590 average annual salary with a smaller employment figure of 130.
- Washington: $93,820 average salary and an employment total of 2,040.
- New Jersey: $92,350 average salary, employing 3,300 respiratory therapists.
These states not only provide competitive salaries but also vary in the number of positions available, indicating diverse opportunities for respiratory therapists seeking both rewarding compensation and job availability.
Comparing Salaries in Health Care Professions
When we look at the salaries of different health care professionals, we see some interesting differences. Respiratory therapists earn an average annual salary of $80,340, which breaks down to about $38.62 per hour. There are around 129,750 respiratory therapists employed across the country. Meanwhile, paramedics, who play a critical role in emergency health care, earn a lower average annual salary of $57,450, or $27.62 per hour, with a workforce of about 98,770 people.
Radiation therapists, who specialize in treating cancer patients, top the list with the highest average annual salary of $104,420, equivalent to $50.20 per hour. However, there are significantly fewer radiation therapists, with only about 16,640 employed. This comparison shows how different health care roles not only vary in pay but also in the number of professionals working in each field.
Bottom Line
For those considering a career as a respiratory therapist, the field offers a promising outlook both in terms of job opportunities and compensation. With an average annual salary of $80,340, respiratory therapists are well-compensated compared to many other health care professions. The demand for these essential health care workers is evident, with nearly 130,000 professionals employed across the nation.
Key insights include:
- Competitive Salaries: While the national average is substantial, salaries are even higher in certain states, such as California, where respiratory therapists earn over $103,000 annually.
- Diverse Opportunities: States like California, New York, and Washington not only offer lucrative salaries but also have a high number of available positions, making them attractive options for those entering the field.
- Role Comparison: When compared to other health care roles, such as paramedics and radiation therapists, respiratory therapy offers a balanced mix of competitive pay and ample employment opportunities.
Overall, respiratory therapy is a rewarding career choice for those passionate about helping others breathe easier and seeking a stable and well-paying role in the health care industry.