Healthcare Delaware (DE) Rank #15 of 50

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Delaware

The median respiratory therapist salary in Delaware is $72,656 per year, which is 3.0% above the national median of $70,540.

Median Salary
$72,656
vs National
+$2,116
State Rank
#15 of 50
Cost of Living
101%

Respiratory Therapist Salary Overview in Delaware (2026)

Delaware ranks #15 out of 50 states for respiratory therapist compensation. Delaware falls in the middle of the pack for respiratory therapist pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $72,656 per year, respiratory therapists in Delaware earn $2,116 more than the national median of $70,540.

Delaware's cost of living is near the national average at 101%, meaning respiratory therapist salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Delaware is significant: respiratory therapists at the 10th percentile earn $49,440, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $101,970 — a $52,530 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Delaware for this role is Wilmington, where the median reaches $75,478.

Nationally, respiratory therapist employment is projected to grow 14% over the next decade (much faster than average). This strong growth suggests increasing demand and competitive salaries in Delaware and beyond.

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Delaware by Experience

In Delaware, an entry-level respiratory therapist earns around $51,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $97,850 per year. The cost of living index in Delaware is 101% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$51,500
+$1,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$74,160
+$2,160 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$97,850
+$2,850 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Delaware

Percentile DE Salary
10th Percentile $49,440
25th Percentile $58,710
Median (50th) $72,656
75th Percentile $88,580
90th Percentile $101,970

Respiratory Therapist Salary by City in Delaware

The largest employment areas for respiratory therapists in Delaware include Wilmington, Dover, Newark, and Middletown. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Delaware

Education

Most respiratory therapist positions require a associate's degree. Delaware has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Ventilator ManagementPulmonary Function TestingABG AnalysisOxygen TherapyCritical CarePatient Assessment

Job Outlook in Delaware

Nationally, respiratory therapist employment is projected to grow 14% over the next decade (much faster than average). Delaware's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Respiratory Therapist Salary in Delaware

How much does a Respiratory Therapist make in Delaware? ▼
The median respiratory therapist salary in Delaware is $72,656 per year, which is 3.0% above the national median of $70,540. Salaries range from $49,440 (10th percentile) to $101,970 (90th percentile).
How much does a Respiratory Therapist make per hour in Delaware? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $72,656, a respiratory therapist in Delaware earns approximately $35 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Delaware a good state for respiratory therapists? ▼
Delaware ranks #15 out of 50 states for respiratory therapist pay. The cost of living index is 101% of the national average. Entry-level respiratory therapists earn $51,500, while senior professionals earn $97,850.
How does Delaware compare to other states for respiratory therapist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for respiratory therapists is Hawaii at $125,561. Delaware's median of $72,656 ranks #15 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Colorado ($75,478) and Virginia ($74,772).
What is the entry-level respiratory therapist salary in Delaware? ▼
An entry-level respiratory therapist in Delaware earns approximately $51,500 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $74,160. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $97,850.
What city in Delaware pays respiratory therapists the most? ▼
Wilmington is the highest paying city in Delaware for respiratory therapists, with a median salary of $75,478. Other cities include Dover and Newark.