Healthcare San Jose, CA Pop. 1,013,240

Respiratory Therapist Salary in San Jose, California

The median respiratory therapist salary in San Jose, CA is $124,150 per year, which is 76.0% above the national median and 20.5% above the California state average.

City Median
$124,150
vs State Avg
+$21,162
vs National
+$53,610
Cost of Living
168%

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

San Jose offers a median respiratory therapist salary of $124,150, which is $21,162 above the California state average of $102,988. Compared to the national median of $70,540, San Jose pays above average for this role.

However, San Jose's cost of living index is 168%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $124,150 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $73,899. Housing, transportation, and food costs in San Jose should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for respiratory therapists in San Jose spans from $84,480 at the 10th percentile to $174,240 at the 90th percentile — a $89,760 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $88,000, while senior respiratory therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $167,200. As a major metro area with a population of 1,013,240, San Jose typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Respiratory Therapist Salary in San Jose by Experience

In San Jose, an entry-level respiratory therapist earns around $88,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $167,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 168% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$88,000
+$38,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$126,720
+$54,720 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$167,200
+$72,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in San Jose, CA

Percentile San Jose
10th Percentile $84,480
25th Percentile $100,320
Median (50th) $124,150
75th Percentile $151,360
90th Percentile $174,240

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Other California Cities

San Francisco, CA
$134,026
Pop. 873,965
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 Jose

Education

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

Find Respiratory Therapist Jobs in San Jose

Browse open respiratory therapist positions in San Jose, CA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Respiratory Therapist Salary in San Jose

How much does a Respiratory Therapist make in San Jose, CA? ▼
The median respiratory therapist salary in San Jose, California is $124,150 per year, which is 76.0% above the national median of $70,540. Salaries range from $84,480 (10th percentile) to $174,240 (90th percentile).
How much does a Respiratory Therapist make per hour in San Jose? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $124,150, a respiratory therapist in San Jose earns approximately $60 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does San Jose compare to the California state average for respiratory therapist pay? ▼
San Jose's median respiratory therapist salary of $124,150 is 20.5% above the California state average of $102,988. The local cost of living index is 168% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in San Jose, CA? ▼
San Jose has a cost of living index of 168% compared to the national average. This means a respiratory therapist salary of $124,150 in San Jose 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 Jose? ▼
Most respiratory therapist positions in San Jose 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.