Salary for Respiratory Therapists

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Respiratory therapists work under the direction or supervision of a physician to deliver respiratory therapy to individuals with respiratory disorders or other causes of impaired breathing. They monitor blood gases, patient response to therapy, and vital signs, reporting any unusual or adverse reactions to the patient's physicians. All therapies conducted under their care are based on physician prescriptions. These individuals are also responsible for the cleanliness and maintenance of equipment used in respiratory therapy, and must inspect, test and order repairs of this equipment as necessary. An Associate's degree is generally required in this profession.

A Respiratory Therapist gets a pay level ranging from 40000 to 60000 based on experience and talent. Respiratory Therapists can earn an average wage of Fifty Five Thousand Five Hundred dollars per year.

Respiratory Therapists have the highest salaries in California, where they receive job pay of close to $65580. People in this category of job can receive the best pay in Administrative, Support and Waste Management Services, which has average job salaries of $66380.

The national wage distribution is shown below. To overlay local salaries for a Respiratory Therapist, please select your state.