Healthcare Boulder, CO Pop. 105,673

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Boulder, Colorado

The median respiratory therapist salary in Boulder, CO is $91,702 per year, which is 30.0% above the national median and 21.5% above the Colorado state average.

City Median
$91,702
vs State Avg
+$16,224
vs National
+$21,162
Cost of Living
128%

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

Boulder offers a median respiratory therapist salary of $91,702, which is $16,224 above the Colorado state average of $75,478. Compared to the national median of $70,540, Boulder pays above average for this role.

However, Boulder's cost of living index is 128%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $91,702 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $71,642. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Boulder should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for respiratory therapists in Boulder spans from $62,400 at the 10th percentile to $128,700 at the 90th percentile — a $66,300 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $65,000, while senior respiratory therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $123,500. With a population of 105,673, Boulder is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Boulder by Experience

In Boulder, an entry-level respiratory therapist earns around $65,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $123,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 128% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$65,000
+$15,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$93,600
+$21,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$123,500
+$28,500 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Boulder, CO

Percentile Boulder
10th Percentile $62,400
25th Percentile $74,100
Median (50th) $91,702
75th Percentile $111,800
90th Percentile $128,700

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Other Colorado Cities

Denver, CO
$80,416
Pop. 715,522
Fort Collins, CO
$76,183
Pop. 169,810
Aurora, CO
$75,478
Pop. 386,261
Colorado Springs, CO
$71,951
Pop. 478,961

How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Boulder

Education

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

Find Respiratory Therapist Jobs in Boulder

Browse open respiratory therapist positions in Boulder, CO:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Respiratory Therapist Salary in Boulder

How much does a Respiratory Therapist make in Boulder, CO? ▼
The median respiratory therapist salary in Boulder, Colorado is $91,702 per year, which is 30.0% above the national median of $70,540. Salaries range from $62,400 (10th percentile) to $128,700 (90th percentile).
How much does a Respiratory Therapist make per hour in Boulder? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $91,702, a respiratory therapist in Boulder earns approximately $44 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Boulder compare to the Colorado state average for respiratory therapist pay? ▼
Boulder's median respiratory therapist salary of $91,702 is 21.5% above the Colorado state average of $75,478. The local cost of living index is 128% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Boulder, CO? ▼
Boulder has a cost of living index of 128% compared to the national average. This means a respiratory therapist salary of $91,702 in Boulder has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a respiratory therapist in Boulder? ▼
Most respiratory therapist positions in Boulder 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.