Healthcare Denver, CO Pop. 715,522

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Denver, Colorado

The median respiratory therapist salary in Denver, CO is $80,416 per year, which is 14.0% above the national median and 6.5% above the Colorado state average.

City Median
$80,416
vs State Avg
+$4,938
vs National
+$9,876
Cost of Living
112%

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

Denver offers a median respiratory therapist salary of $80,416, which is $4,938 above the Colorado state average of $75,478. Compared to the national median of $70,540, Denver pays above average for this role.

However, Denver's cost of living index is 112%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $80,416 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $71,800. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Denver should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for respiratory therapists in Denver spans from $54,720 at the 10th percentile to $112,860 at the 90th percentile — a $58,140 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $57,000, while senior respiratory therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $108,300. As a major metro area with a population of 715,522, Denver typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Denver by Experience

In Denver, an entry-level respiratory therapist earns around $57,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $108,300 per year. The local cost of living index is 112% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$57,000
+$7,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$82,080
+$10,080 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$108,300
+$13,300 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Denver, CO

Percentile Denver
10th Percentile $54,720
25th Percentile $64,980
Median (50th) $80,416
75th Percentile $98,040
90th Percentile $112,860

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Other Colorado Cities

Boulder, CO
$91,702
Pop. 105,673
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 Denver

Education

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

Find Respiratory Therapist Jobs in Denver

Browse open respiratory therapist positions in Denver, CO:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Respiratory Therapist Salary in Denver

How much does a Respiratory Therapist make in Denver, CO? ▼
The median respiratory therapist salary in Denver, Colorado is $80,416 per year, which is 14.0% above the national median of $70,540. Salaries range from $54,720 (10th percentile) to $112,860 (90th percentile).
How much does a Respiratory Therapist make per hour in Denver? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $80,416, a respiratory therapist in Denver earns approximately $39 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Denver compare to the Colorado state average for respiratory therapist pay? ▼
Denver's median respiratory therapist salary of $80,416 is 6.5% above the Colorado state average of $75,478. The local cost of living index is 112% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Denver, CO? ▼
Denver has a cost of living index of 112% compared to the national average. This means a respiratory therapist salary of $80,416 in Denver has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a respiratory therapist in Denver? ▼
Most respiratory therapist positions in Denver 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.