Healthcare Arizona (AZ) Rank #22 of 50

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Arizona

The median respiratory therapist salary in Arizona is $68,424 per year, which is 3% below the national median of $70,540.

Median Salary
$68,424
vs National
$-2,116
State Rank
#22 of 50
Cost of Living
97%

Respiratory Therapist Salary Overview in Arizona (2026)

Arizona ranks #22 out of 50 states for respiratory therapist compensation. Arizona falls in the middle of the pack for respiratory therapist pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $68,424 per year, respiratory therapists in Arizona earn $2,116 less than the national median of $70,540.

Arizona's cost of living is near the national average at 97%, meaning respiratory therapist salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Arizona is significant: respiratory therapists at the 10th percentile earn $46,560, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $96,030 — a $49,470 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Arizona for this role is Scottsdale, where the median reaches $79,005.

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 Arizona and beyond.

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Arizona by Experience

In Arizona, an entry-level respiratory therapist earns around $48,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $92,150 per year. The cost of living index in Arizona is 97% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$48,500
$-1,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$69,840
$-2,160 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$92,150
$-2,850 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Arizona

Percentile AZ Salary
10th Percentile $46,560
25th Percentile $55,290
Median (50th) $68,424
75th Percentile $83,420
90th Percentile $96,030

Respiratory Therapist Salary by City in Arizona

The largest employment areas for respiratory therapists in Arizona include Phoenix, Tucson, Mesa, and Scottsdale. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Arizona

Education

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

Key Skills

Ventilator ManagementPulmonary Function TestingABG AnalysisOxygen TherapyCritical CarePatient Assessment

Job Outlook in Arizona

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Respiratory Therapist Salary in Arizona

How much does a Respiratory Therapist make in Arizona? ▼
The median respiratory therapist salary in Arizona is $68,424 per year, which is 3% below the national median of $70,540. Salaries range from $46,560 (10th percentile) to $96,030 (90th percentile).
How much does a Respiratory Therapist make per hour in Arizona? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $68,424, a respiratory therapist in Arizona earns approximately $33 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Arizona a good state for respiratory therapists? ▼
Arizona ranks #22 out of 50 states for respiratory therapist pay. The cost of living index is 97% of the national average. Entry-level respiratory therapists earn $48,500, while senior professionals earn $92,150.
How does Arizona compare to other states for respiratory therapist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for respiratory therapists is Hawaii at $125,561. Arizona's median of $68,424 ranks #22 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Nevada ($69,835) and Pennsylvania ($69,835).
What is the entry-level respiratory therapist salary in Arizona? ▼
An entry-level respiratory therapist in Arizona earns approximately $48,500 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $69,840. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $92,150.
What city in Arizona pays respiratory therapists the most? ▼
Scottsdale is the highest paying city in Arizona for respiratory therapists, with a median salary of $79,005. Other cities include Phoenix and Tucson.