Healthcare Tucson, AZ Pop. 542,629

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Tucson, Arizona

The median respiratory therapist salary in Tucson, AZ is $65,602 per year, which is 7% below the national median and 4.1% below the Arizona state average.

City Median
$65,602
vs State Avg
$-2,822
vs National
$-4,938
Cost of Living
93%

Respiratory Therapist Pay in Tucson: What to Expect (2026)

Tucson offers a median respiratory therapist salary of $65,602, which is $2,822 below the Arizona state average of $68,424. Compared to the national median of $70,540, Tucson pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Tucson's cost of living is 93% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for respiratory therapists in Tucson spans from $44,640 at the 10th percentile to $92,070 at the 90th percentile — a $47,430 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $46,500, while senior respiratory therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $88,350. As a major metro area with a population of 542,629, Tucson typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Tucson by Experience

In Tucson, an entry-level respiratory therapist earns around $46,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $88,350 per year. The local cost of living index is 93% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$46,500
$-3,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$66,960
$-5,040 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$88,350
$-6,650 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Tucson, AZ

Percentile Tucson
10th Percentile $44,640
25th Percentile $53,010
Median (50th) $65,602
75th Percentile $79,980
90th Percentile $92,070

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Other Arizona Cities

Scottsdale, AZ
$79,005
Pop. 241,361
Chandler, AZ
$71,951
Pop. 275,987
Phoenix, AZ
$70,540
Pop. 1,608,139
Mesa, AZ
$68,424
Pop. 504,258

How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Tucson

Education

Most respiratory therapist positions require a associate's degree. Tucson and the surrounding Arizona area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Ventilator ManagementPulmonary Function TestingABG AnalysisOxygen TherapyCritical CarePatient Assessment

Job Outlook

Nationally, respiratory therapist employment is projected to grow 14% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Tucson may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Respiratory Therapist Jobs in Tucson

Browse open respiratory therapist positions in Tucson, AZ:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Respiratory Therapist Salary in Tucson

How much does a Respiratory Therapist make in Tucson, AZ? ▼
The median respiratory therapist salary in Tucson, Arizona is $65,602 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $70,540. Salaries range from $44,640 (10th percentile) to $92,070 (90th percentile).
How much does a Respiratory Therapist make per hour in Tucson? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $65,602, a respiratory therapist in Tucson earns approximately $32 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Tucson compare to the Arizona state average for respiratory therapist pay? ▼
Tucson's median respiratory therapist salary of $65,602 is 4.1% below the Arizona state average of $68,424. The local cost of living index is 93% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Tucson, AZ? ▼
Tucson has a cost of living index of 93% compared to the national average. This means a respiratory therapist salary of $65,602 in Tucson has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a respiratory therapist in Tucson? ▼
Most respiratory therapist positions in Tucson require a associate's degree. Key skills include Ventilator Management, Pulmonary Function Testing, ABG Analysis, Oxygen Therapy. The job market is projected to grow 14% nationally over the next decade.