Healthcare Indianapolis, IN Pop. 887,642

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Indianapolis, Indiana

The median respiratory therapist salary in Indianapolis, IN is $65,602 per year, which is 7% below the national median and 3.3% above the Indiana state average.

City Median
$65,602
vs State Avg
+$2,116
vs National
$-4,938
Cost of Living
93%

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

Indianapolis offers a median respiratory therapist salary of $65,602, which is $2,116 above the Indiana state average of $63,486. Compared to the national median of $70,540, Indianapolis pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Indianapolis's cost of living is 93% 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 Indianapolis spans from $44,640 at the 10th percentile to $92,070 at the 90th percentile — a $47,430 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $46,500, while senior respiratory therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $88,350. As a major metro area with a population of 887,642, Indianapolis typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Indianapolis by Experience

In Indianapolis, an entry-level respiratory therapist earns around $46,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $88,350 per year. The local cost of living index is 93% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$46,500
$-3,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$66,960
$-5,040 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$88,350
$-6,650 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Indianapolis, IN

Percentile Indianapolis
10th Percentile $44,640
25th Percentile $53,010
Median (50th) $65,602
75th Percentile $79,980
90th Percentile $92,070

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Other Indiana Cities

Carmel, IN
$74,067
Pop. 99,757
Fort Wayne, IN
$59,959
Pop. 263,886
Evansville, IN
$59,254
Pop. 117,429
South Bend, IN
$58,548
Pop. 103,453

How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Indianapolis

Education

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

Find Respiratory Therapist Jobs in Indianapolis

Browse open respiratory therapist positions in Indianapolis, IN:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Respiratory Therapist Salary in Indianapolis

How much does a Respiratory Therapist make in Indianapolis, IN? ▼
The median respiratory therapist salary in Indianapolis, Indiana is $65,602 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $70,540. Salaries range from $44,640 (10th percentile) to $92,070 (90th percentile).
How much does a Respiratory Therapist make per hour in Indianapolis? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $65,602, a respiratory therapist in Indianapolis earns approximately $32 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Indianapolis compare to the Indiana state average for respiratory therapist pay? ▼
Indianapolis's median respiratory therapist salary of $65,602 is 3.3% above the Indiana state average of $63,486. The local cost of living index is 93% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Indianapolis, IN? ▼
Indianapolis has a cost of living index of 93% compared to the national average. This means a respiratory therapist salary of $65,602 in Indianapolis has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a respiratory therapist in Indianapolis? ▼
Most respiratory therapist positions in Indianapolis 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.