Healthcare Florida (FL) Rank #18 of 50

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Florida

The median respiratory therapist salary in Florida is $70,540 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median of $70,540.

Median Salary
$70,540
vs National
+$0
State Rank
#18 of 50
Cost of Living
98%

Respiratory Therapist Salary Overview in Florida (2026)

Florida ranks #18 out of 50 states for respiratory therapist compensation. Florida falls in the middle of the pack for respiratory therapist pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $70,540 per year, respiratory therapists in Florida earn $0 more than the national median of $70,540.

Florida's cost of living is near the national average at 98%, meaning respiratory therapist salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Florida is significant: respiratory therapists at the 10th percentile earn $48,000, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $99,000 — a $51,000 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Florida for this role is Miami, where the median reaches $84,648.

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 Florida and beyond.

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Florida by Experience

In Florida, an entry-level respiratory therapist earns around $50,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $95,000 per year. The cost of living index in Florida is 98% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$50,000
+$0 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$72,000
+$0 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$95,000
+$0 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Florida

Percentile FL Salary
10th Percentile $48,000
25th Percentile $57,000
Median (50th) $70,540
75th Percentile $86,000
90th Percentile $99,000

Respiratory Therapist Salary by City in Florida

The largest employment areas for respiratory therapists in Florida include Miami, Orlando, Tampa, and Jacksonville. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Florida

Education

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

Key Skills

Ventilator ManagementPulmonary Function TestingABG AnalysisOxygen TherapyCritical CarePatient Assessment

Job Outlook in Florida

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Respiratory Therapist Salary in Florida

How much does a Respiratory Therapist make in Florida? ▼
The median respiratory therapist salary in Florida is $70,540 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median of $70,540. Salaries range from $48,000 (10th percentile) to $99,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Respiratory Therapist make per hour in Florida? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $70,540, a respiratory therapist in Florida earns approximately $34 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Florida a good state for respiratory therapists? ▼
Florida ranks #18 out of 50 states for respiratory therapist pay. The cost of living index is 98% of the national average. Entry-level respiratory therapists earn $50,000, while senior professionals earn $95,000.
How does Florida compare to other states for respiratory therapist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for respiratory therapists is Hawaii at $125,561. Florida's median of $70,540 ranks #18 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Vermont ($72,656) and Minnesota ($71,245).
What is the entry-level respiratory therapist salary in Florida? ▼
An entry-level respiratory therapist in Florida earns approximately $50,000 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $72,000. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $95,000.
What city in Florida pays respiratory therapists the most? ▼
Miami is the highest paying city in Florida for respiratory therapists, with a median salary of $84,648. Other cities include Orlando and Tampa.