Healthcare San Diego, CA Pop. 1,386,932

Respiratory Therapist Salary in San Diego, California

The median respiratory therapist salary in San Diego, CA is $105,810 per year, which is 50.0% above the national median and 2.7% above the California state average.

City Median
$105,810
vs State Avg
+$2,822
vs National
+$35,270
Cost of Living
142%

Respiratory Therapist Pay in San Diego: What to Expect (2026)

San Diego offers a median respiratory therapist salary of $105,810, which is $2,822 above the California state average of $102,988. Compared to the national median of $70,540, San Diego pays above average for this role.

However, San Diego's cost of living index is 142%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $105,810 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $74,514. Housing, transportation, and food costs in San Diego should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for respiratory therapists in San Diego spans from $72,000 at the 10th percentile to $148,500 at the 90th percentile — a $76,500 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $75,000, while senior respiratory therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $142,500. As a major metro area with a population of 1,386,932, San Diego typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Respiratory Therapist Salary in San Diego by Experience

In San Diego, an entry-level respiratory therapist earns around $75,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $142,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 142% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$75,000
+$25,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$108,000
+$36,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$142,500
+$47,500 vs national

Salary Percentiles in San Diego, CA

Percentile San Diego
10th Percentile $72,000
25th Percentile $85,500
Median (50th) $105,810
75th Percentile $129,000
90th Percentile $148,500

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
Sacramento, CA
$88,880
Pop. 524,943

How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in San Diego

Education

Most respiratory therapist positions require a associate's degree. San Diego 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 San Diego may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Respiratory Therapist Jobs in San Diego

Browse open respiratory therapist positions in San Diego, CA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Respiratory Therapist Salary in San Diego

How much does a Respiratory Therapist make in San Diego, CA? ▼
The median respiratory therapist salary in San Diego, California is $105,810 per year, which is 50.0% above the national median of $70,540. Salaries range from $72,000 (10th percentile) to $148,500 (90th percentile).
How much does a Respiratory Therapist make per hour in San Diego? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $105,810, a respiratory therapist in San Diego earns approximately $51 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does San Diego compare to the California state average for respiratory therapist pay? ▼
San Diego's median respiratory therapist salary of $105,810 is 2.7% above the California state average of $102,988. The local cost of living index is 142% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in San Diego, CA? ▼
San Diego has a cost of living index of 142% compared to the national average. This means a respiratory therapist salary of $105,810 in San Diego has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a respiratory therapist in San Diego? ▼
Most respiratory therapist positions in San Diego 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.