Healthcare Alaska (AK) Rank #4 of 50

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Alaska

The median respiratory therapist salary in Alaska is $90,997 per year, which is 29.0% above the national median of $70,540.

Median Salary
$90,997
vs National
+$20,457
State Rank
#4 of 50
Cost of Living
124%

Respiratory Therapist Salary Overview in Alaska (2026)

Alaska ranks #4 out of 50 states for respiratory therapist compensation. This places Alaska in the top tier nationally, making it one of the best states for respiratory therapists seeking high pay. At $90,997 per year, respiratory therapists in Alaska earn $20,457 more than the national median of $70,540.

It's worth noting that Alaska's cost of living is 124% of the national average, which reduces the real purchasing power of the $90,997 salary. After adjusting for cost of living, the effective salary is closer to $73,385.

The salary spread in Alaska is significant: respiratory therapists at the 10th percentile earn $61,920, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $127,710 — a $65,790 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Alaska for this role is Juneau, where the median reaches $98,756.

Nationally, respiratory therapist employment is projected to grow 14% over the next decade (much faster than average). This strong growth suggests increasing demand and competitive salaries in Alaska and beyond.

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Alaska by Experience

In Alaska, an entry-level respiratory therapist earns around $64,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $122,550 per year. The cost of living index in Alaska is 124% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$64,500
+$14,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$92,880
+$20,880 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$122,550
+$27,550 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Alaska

Percentile AK Salary
10th Percentile $61,920
25th Percentile $73,530
Median (50th) $90,997
75th Percentile $110,940
90th Percentile $127,710

Respiratory Therapist Salary by City in Alaska

The largest employment areas for respiratory therapists in Alaska include Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau, and Sitka. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Alaska

Education

Most respiratory therapist positions require a associate's degree. Alaska has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Ventilator ManagementPulmonary Function TestingABG AnalysisOxygen TherapyCritical CarePatient Assessment

Job Outlook in Alaska

Nationally, respiratory therapist employment is projected to grow 14% over the next decade (much faster than average). Alaska's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Respiratory Therapist Salary in Alaska

How much does a Respiratory Therapist make in Alaska? ▼
The median respiratory therapist salary in Alaska is $90,997 per year, which is 29.0% above the national median of $70,540. Salaries range from $61,920 (10th percentile) to $127,710 (90th percentile).
How much does a Respiratory Therapist make per hour in Alaska? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $90,997, a respiratory therapist in Alaska earns approximately $44 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Alaska a good state for respiratory therapists? ▼
Alaska ranks #4 out of 50 states for respiratory therapist pay. The cost of living index is 124% of the national average. Entry-level respiratory therapists earn $64,500, while senior professionals earn $122,550.
How does Alaska compare to other states for respiratory therapist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for respiratory therapists is Hawaii at $125,561. Alaska's median of $90,997 ranks #4 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include California ($102,988) and Massachusetts ($100,872).
What is the entry-level respiratory therapist salary in Alaska? ▼
An entry-level respiratory therapist in Alaska earns approximately $64,500 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $92,880. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $122,550.
What city in Alaska pays respiratory therapists the most? ▼
Juneau is the highest paying city in Alaska for respiratory therapists, with a median salary of $98,756. Other cities include Anchorage and Fairbanks.