Respiratory Therapist Salary in Cedar Rapids, IA: $62,075 (2026)

Respiratory Therapist Pay in Cedar Rapids: What to Expect (2026)

Cedar Rapids offers a median respiratory therapist salary of $62,075, which is $706 below the Iowa state average of $62,781. Compared to the national median of $70,540, Cedar Rapids pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Cedar Rapids's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $62,075 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $70,540 in an average-cost city. This makes Cedar Rapids an attractive option for respiratory therapists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for respiratory therapists in Cedar Rapids spans from $42,240 at the 10th percentile to $87,120 at the 90th percentile — a $44,880 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $44,000, while senior respiratory therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $83,600. With a population of 137,710, Cedar Rapids is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Cedar Rapids by Experience

In Cedar Rapids, an entry-level respiratory therapist earns around $44,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $83,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$44,000

$-6,000 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$63,360

$-8,640 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$83,600

$-11,400 vs national

Percentile	Cedar Rapids	IA State	National
10th Percentile	$42,240	$42,720	$48,000
25th Percentile	$50,160	$50,730	$57,000
Median (50th)	$62,075	$62,781	$70,540
75th Percentile	$75,680	$76,540	$86,000
90th Percentile	$87,120	$88,110	$99,000

Percentile

Cedar Rapids

10th Percentile

$42,240

25th Percentile

$50,160

Median (50th)

$62,075

75th Percentile

$75,680

90th Percentile

$87,120

How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Cedar Rapids

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Respiratory Therapist Salary in Cedar Rapids

How much does a Respiratory Therapist make in Cedar Rapids, IA? ▼

The median respiratory therapist salary in Cedar Rapids, Iowa is $62,075 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $70,540. Salaries range from $42,240 (10th percentile) to $87,120 (90th percentile).

How much does a Respiratory Therapist make per hour in Cedar Rapids? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $62,075, a respiratory therapist in Cedar Rapids earns approximately $30 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Cedar Rapids compare to the Iowa state average for respiratory therapist pay? ▼

Cedar Rapids's median respiratory therapist salary of $62,075 is 1.1% below the Iowa state average of $62,781. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Cedar Rapids, IA? ▼

Cedar Rapids has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a respiratory therapist salary of $62,075 in Cedar Rapids has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a respiratory therapist in Cedar Rapids? ▼

Most respiratory therapist positions in Cedar Rapids 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.

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Cedar Rapids, Iowa