Respiratory Therapist Salary in Iowa City, IA: $67,013 (2026)

Respiratory Therapist Pay in Iowa City: What to Expect (2026)

Iowa City offers a median respiratory therapist salary of $67,013, which is $4,232 above the Iowa state average of $62,781. Compared to the national median of $70,540, Iowa City pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Iowa City's cost of living is 95% 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 Iowa City spans from $45,600 at the 10th percentile to $94,050 at the 90th percentile — a $48,450 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $47,500, while senior respiratory therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $90,250. Iowa City is a smaller market (pop. 74,828), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Iowa City by Experience

In Iowa City, an entry-level respiratory therapist earns around $47,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $90,250 per year. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$47,500

$-2,500 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$68,400

$-3,600 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$90,250

$-4,750 vs national

Percentile	Iowa City	IA State	National
10th Percentile	$45,600	$42,720	$48,000
25th Percentile	$54,150	$50,730	$57,000
Median (50th)	$67,013	$62,781	$70,540
75th Percentile	$81,700	$76,540	$86,000
90th Percentile	$94,050	$88,110	$99,000

Percentile

Iowa City

10th Percentile

$45,600

25th Percentile

$54,150

Median (50th)

$67,013

75th Percentile

$81,700

90th Percentile

$94,050

How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Iowa City

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Respiratory Therapist Salary in Iowa City

How much does a Respiratory Therapist make in Iowa City, IA? ▼

The median respiratory therapist salary in Iowa City, Iowa is $67,013 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $70,540. Salaries range from $45,600 (10th percentile) to $94,050 (90th percentile).

How much does a Respiratory Therapist make per hour in Iowa City? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $67,013, a respiratory therapist in Iowa City earns approximately $32 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

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

Iowa City's median respiratory therapist salary of $67,013 is 6.7% above the Iowa state average of $62,781. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Iowa City, IA? ▼

Iowa City has a cost of living index of 95% compared to the national average. This means a respiratory therapist salary of $67,013 in Iowa City has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a respiratory therapist in Iowa City? ▼

Most respiratory therapist positions in Iowa City 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 Iowa City, Iowa