Healthcare California (CA) Rank #2 of 50

Respiratory Therapist Salary in California

The median respiratory therapist salary in California is $102,988 per year, which is 46.0% above the national median of $70,540.

Median Salary
$102,988
vs National
+$32,448
State Rank
#2 of 50
Cost of Living
138%

Respiratory Therapist Salary in California by Experience

In California, an entry-level respiratory therapist earns around $73,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $138,700 per year. The cost of living index in California is 138% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$73,000
+$23,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$105,120
+$33,120 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$138,700
+$43,700 vs national

Salary Percentiles in California

Percentile CA Salary
10th Percentile $70,080
25th Percentile $83,220
Median (50th) $102,988
75th Percentile $125,560
90th Percentile $144,540

Respiratory Therapist Salary by City in California

The largest employment areas for respiratory therapists in California include Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, and San Jose. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

Los Angeles, CA
$108,632
Pop. 3,898,747 · COL 146%
San Francisco, CA
$134,026
Pop. 873,965 · COL 182%
San Diego, CA
$105,810
Pop. 1,386,932 · COL 142%
San Jose, CA
$124,150
Pop. 1,013,240 · COL 168%
Sacramento, CA
$88,880
Pop. 524,943 · COL 118%

How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in California

Education

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

Key Skills

Ventilator ManagementPulmonary Function TestingABG AnalysisOxygen TherapyCritical CarePatient Assessment

Job Outlook in California

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

Find Respiratory Therapist Jobs in California

Browse open respiratory therapist positions in California:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Respiratory Therapist Salary in California

How much does a Respiratory Therapist make in California? ▼
The median respiratory therapist salary in California is $102,988 per year, which is 46.0% above the national median of $70,540. Salaries range from $70,080 (10th percentile) to $144,540 (90th percentile).
How much does a Respiratory Therapist make per hour in California? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $102,988, a respiratory therapist in California earns approximately $50 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is California a good state for respiratory therapists? ▼
California ranks #2 out of 50 states for respiratory therapist pay. The cost of living index is 138% of the national average. Entry-level respiratory therapists earn $73,000, while senior professionals earn $138,700.
How does California compare to other states for respiratory therapist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for respiratory therapists is Hawaii at $125,561. California's median of $102,988 ranks #2 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Hawaii ($125,561) and Massachusetts ($100,872).
What is the entry-level respiratory therapist salary in California? ▼
An entry-level respiratory therapist in California earns approximately $73,000 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $105,120. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $138,700.
What city in California pays respiratory therapists the most? ▼
San Francisco is the highest paying city in California for respiratory therapists, with a median salary of $134,026. Other cities include Los Angeles and San Diego.