Many factors will determine the salaries of respiratory therapists. Education and the level of certification (CRT or RRT) are a main difference in the level of responsibility and earnings. Individuals who enter this position as a Certified Respiratory Therapist will earn considerably less than those who take the additional learning and examination to become a Registered Respiratory Therapist. Places of employment as well as location of employment will also play a role in the average yearly salaries.
There are many different places for a respiratory therapist to be employed. The majority work in hospitals but there is also a need for therapists in other companies and even at colleges and universities. The salaries range from $38,000 per year to $77,000 per year. The national average for therapists employed in hospitals is $38,000 per year. Respiratory therapists that work for companies have the potential to earn an average of $41,600. There is also a need for respiratory therapists to be employed by local, state and federal governments. These therapists earn $42,000 per year to $51,000 per year, depending on the government agency. Respiratory therapists who start their own private practice or firm generally earn an average of $40,172 per year. The greatest salaries go to those who are employed with colleges or universities. They earn an average of $77,000 per year.
The city and state of employment may also determine the specific wage of a respiratory therapist. Cities and states pay in accordance to the costs of living associated. The yearly salaries range from $33,690 per year to $42,350 per year. California tends to pay the highest average yearly salary while Texas therapists earn the lowest. New York pays it’s respiratory therapists approximately $40,990 per year, rounding out the top highest paid states. Michigan, Illinois and Ohio represent states with lower earnings.
Although the place of employment and the residence of employment tend to be factors in the average yearly earnings, therapists that excel at their job also have the tendency to make more. Therapists who continue to advance in education by participating in continued courses and those branching out to offer course in smoking cessation and respiratory problems are likely to be compensated for the additional services. Advancement opportunities in the form of supervisory and management positions are also available to those who are looking to add more responsibility.
Respiratory therapists primarily focus on the breathing problems that already exist in patients. It is common now though to begin education courses in preventative measures. Many therapists are utilizing their skills and knowledge to reach out to communities in this educational forum.
