Healthcare Sacramento, CA Pop. 524,943

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Sacramento, California

The median respiratory therapist salary in Sacramento, CA is $88,880 per year, which is 26.0% above the national median and 13.7% below the California state average.

City Median
$88,880
vs State Avg
$-14,108
vs National
+$18,340
Cost of Living
118%

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

Sacramento offers a median respiratory therapist salary of $88,880, which is $14,108 below the California state average of $102,988. Compared to the national median of $70,540, Sacramento pays above average for this role.

However, Sacramento's cost of living index is 118%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $88,880 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $75,322. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Sacramento should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for respiratory therapists in Sacramento spans from $60,480 at the 10th percentile to $124,740 at the 90th percentile — a $64,260 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $63,000, while senior respiratory therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $119,700. As a major metro area with a population of 524,943, Sacramento typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Sacramento by Experience

In Sacramento, an entry-level respiratory therapist earns around $63,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $119,700 per year. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$63,000
+$13,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$90,720
+$18,720 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$119,700
+$24,700 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Sacramento, CA

Percentile Sacramento
10th Percentile $60,480
25th Percentile $71,820
Median (50th) $88,880
75th Percentile $108,360
90th Percentile $124,740

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Other California Cities

San Francisco, CA
$134,026
Pop. 873,965
San Jose, CA
$124,150
Pop. 1,013,240
Los Angeles, CA
$108,632
Pop. 3,898,747
San Diego, CA
$105,810
Pop. 1,386,932

How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Sacramento

Education

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

Find Respiratory Therapist Jobs in Sacramento

Browse open respiratory therapist positions in Sacramento, CA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Respiratory Therapist Salary in Sacramento

How much does a Respiratory Therapist make in Sacramento, CA? ▼
The median respiratory therapist salary in Sacramento, California is $88,880 per year, which is 26.0% above the national median of $70,540. Salaries range from $60,480 (10th percentile) to $124,740 (90th percentile).
How much does a Respiratory Therapist make per hour in Sacramento? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $88,880, a respiratory therapist in Sacramento earns approximately $43 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Sacramento compare to the California state average for respiratory therapist pay? ▼
Sacramento's median respiratory therapist salary of $88,880 is 13.7% below the California state average of $102,988. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Sacramento, CA? ▼
Sacramento has a cost of living index of 118% compared to the national average. This means a respiratory therapist salary of $88,880 in Sacramento has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a respiratory therapist in Sacramento? ▼
Most respiratory therapist positions in Sacramento 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.