Respiratory Therapist Salary in Little Rock, AR: $59,959 (2026)

Respiratory Therapist Pay in Little Rock: What to Expect (2026)

Little Rock offers a median respiratory therapist salary of $59,959, which is $2,116 above the Arkansas state average of $57,843. Compared to the national median of $70,540, Little Rock pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Little Rock's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 87% of the national average. This means the $59,959 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $68,918 in an average-cost city. This makes Little Rock an attractive option for respiratory therapists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for respiratory therapists in Little Rock spans from $40,800 at the 10th percentile to $84,150 at the 90th percentile — a $43,350 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $42,500, while senior respiratory therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $80,750. With a population of 202,591, Little Rock is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Little Rock by Experience

In Little Rock, an entry-level respiratory therapist earns around $42,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $80,750 per year. The local cost of living index is 87% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$42,500

$-7,500 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$61,200

$-10,800 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$80,750

$-14,250 vs national

Percentile	Little Rock	AR State	National
10th Percentile	$40,800	$39,360	$48,000
25th Percentile	$48,450	$46,740	$57,000
Median (50th)	$59,959	$57,843	$70,540
75th Percentile	$73,100	$70,520	$86,000
90th Percentile	$84,150	$81,180	$99,000

Percentile

Little Rock

10th Percentile

$40,800

25th Percentile

$48,450

Median (50th)

$59,959

75th Percentile

$73,100

90th Percentile

$84,150

How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Little Rock

Education

Most respiratory therapist positions require a associate's degree. Little Rock and the surrounding Arkansas 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 Little Rock may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Respiratory Therapist Salary in Little Rock

How much does a Respiratory Therapist make in Little Rock, AR? ▼

The median respiratory therapist salary in Little Rock, Arkansas is $59,959 per year, which is 15% below the national median of $70,540. Salaries range from $40,800 (10th percentile) to $84,150 (90th percentile).

How much does a Respiratory Therapist make per hour in Little Rock? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $59,959, a respiratory therapist in Little Rock earns approximately $29 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Little Rock compare to the Arkansas state average for respiratory therapist pay? ▼

Little Rock's median respiratory therapist salary of $59,959 is 3.7% above the Arkansas state average of $57,843. The local cost of living index is 87% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Little Rock, AR? ▼

Little Rock has a cost of living index of 87% compared to the national average. This means a respiratory therapist salary of $59,959 in Little Rock has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a respiratory therapist in Little Rock? ▼

Most respiratory therapist positions in Little Rock 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.

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Little Rock, Arkansas