Healthcare San Francisco, CA Pop. 873,965

Respiratory Therapist Salary in San Francisco, California

The median respiratory therapist salary in San Francisco, CA is $134,026 per year, which is 90.0% above the national median and 30.1% above the California state average.

City Median
$134,026
vs State Avg
+$31,038
vs National
+$63,486
Cost of Living
182%

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

San Francisco offers a median respiratory therapist salary of $134,026, which is $31,038 above the California state average of $102,988. Compared to the national median of $70,540, San Francisco pays above average for this role.

However, San Francisco's cost of living index is 182%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $134,026 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $73,641. Housing, transportation, and food costs in San Francisco should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for respiratory therapists in San Francisco spans from $91,200 at the 10th percentile to $188,100 at the 90th percentile — a $96,900 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $95,000, while senior respiratory therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $180,500. As a major metro area with a population of 873,965, San Francisco typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Respiratory Therapist Salary in San Francisco by Experience

In San Francisco, an entry-level respiratory therapist earns around $95,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $180,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 182% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$95,000
+$45,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$136,800
+$64,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$180,500
+$85,500 vs national

Salary Percentiles in San Francisco, CA

Percentile San Francisco
10th Percentile $91,200
25th Percentile $108,300
Median (50th) $134,026
75th Percentile $163,400
90th Percentile $188,100

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Other California Cities

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

How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in San Francisco

Education

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

Find Respiratory Therapist Jobs in San Francisco

Browse open respiratory therapist positions in San Francisco, CA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Respiratory Therapist Salary in San Francisco

How much does a Respiratory Therapist make in San Francisco, CA? ▼
The median respiratory therapist salary in San Francisco, California is $134,026 per year, which is 90.0% above the national median of $70,540. Salaries range from $91,200 (10th percentile) to $188,100 (90th percentile).
How much does a Respiratory Therapist make per hour in San Francisco? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $134,026, a respiratory therapist in San Francisco earns approximately $64 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does San Francisco compare to the California state average for respiratory therapist pay? ▼
San Francisco's median respiratory therapist salary of $134,026 is 30.1% above the California state average of $102,988. The local cost of living index is 182% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in San Francisco, CA? ▼
San Francisco has a cost of living index of 182% compared to the national average. This means a respiratory therapist salary of $134,026 in San Francisco 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 Francisco? ▼
Most respiratory therapist positions in San Francisco 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.