Healthcare Atlanta, GA Pop. 498,715

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Atlanta, Georgia

The median respiratory therapist salary in Atlanta, GA is $71,951 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median and 9.7% above the Georgia state average.

City Median
$71,951
vs State Avg
+$6,349
vs National
+$1,411
Cost of Living
102%

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

Atlanta offers a median respiratory therapist salary of $71,951, which is $6,349 above the Georgia state average of $65,602. Compared to the national median of $70,540, Atlanta pays above average for this role.

Atlanta's cost of living is 102% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for respiratory therapists in Atlanta spans from $48,960 at the 10th percentile to $100,980 at the 90th percentile — a $52,020 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $51,000, while senior respiratory therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $96,900. With a population of 498,715, Atlanta is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Atlanta by Experience

In Atlanta, an entry-level respiratory therapist earns around $51,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $96,900 per year. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$51,000
+$1,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$73,440
+$1,440 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$96,900
+$1,900 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Atlanta, GA

Percentile Atlanta
10th Percentile $48,960
25th Percentile $58,140
Median (50th) $71,951
75th Percentile $87,720
90th Percentile $100,980

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Other Georgia Cities

Savannah, GA
$64,897
Pop. 147,780
Athens, GA
$63,486
Pop. 127,064
Augusta, GA
$62,075
Pop. 202,081
Columbus, GA
$60,664
Pop. 206,922

How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Atlanta

Education

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

Find Respiratory Therapist Jobs in Atlanta

Browse open respiratory therapist positions in Atlanta, GA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Respiratory Therapist Salary in Atlanta

How much does a Respiratory Therapist make in Atlanta, GA? ▼
The median respiratory therapist salary in Atlanta, Georgia is $71,951 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median of $70,540. Salaries range from $48,960 (10th percentile) to $100,980 (90th percentile).
How much does a Respiratory Therapist make per hour in Atlanta? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $71,951, a respiratory therapist in Atlanta earns approximately $35 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Atlanta compare to the Georgia state average for respiratory therapist pay? ▼
Atlanta's median respiratory therapist salary of $71,951 is 9.7% above the Georgia state average of $65,602. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Atlanta, GA? ▼
Atlanta has a cost of living index of 102% compared to the national average. This means a respiratory therapist salary of $71,951 in Atlanta has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a respiratory therapist in Atlanta? ▼
Most respiratory therapist positions in Atlanta 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.