Healthcare Baton Rouge, LA Pop. 227,470

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Baton Rouge, Louisiana

The median respiratory therapist salary in Baton Rouge, LA is $64,897 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 1.1% above the Louisiana state average.

City Median
$64,897
vs State Avg
+$706
vs National
$-5,643
Cost of Living
92%

Respiratory Therapist Pay in Baton Rouge: What to Expect (2026)

Baton Rouge offers a median respiratory therapist salary of $64,897, which is $706 above the Louisiana state average of $64,191. Compared to the national median of $70,540, Baton Rouge pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Baton Rouge's cost of living is 92% 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 Baton Rouge spans from $44,160 at the 10th percentile to $91,080 at the 90th percentile — a $46,920 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $46,000, while senior respiratory therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $87,400. With a population of 227,470, Baton Rouge is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Baton Rouge by Experience

In Baton Rouge, an entry-level respiratory therapist earns around $46,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $87,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$46,000
$-4,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$66,240
$-5,760 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$87,400
$-7,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Baton Rouge, LA

Percentile Baton Rouge
10th Percentile $44,160
25th Percentile $52,440
Median (50th) $64,897
75th Percentile $79,120
90th Percentile $91,080

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Other Louisiana Cities

New Orleans, LA
$69,129
Pop. 383,997
Lafayette, LA
$62,075
Pop. 121,374
Lake Charles, LA
$60,664
Pop. 80,000
Shreveport, LA
$59,959
Pop. 187,593

How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Baton Rouge

Education

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

Find Respiratory Therapist Jobs in Baton Rouge

Browse open respiratory therapist positions in Baton Rouge, LA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Respiratory Therapist Salary in Baton Rouge

How much does a Respiratory Therapist make in Baton Rouge, LA? ▼
The median respiratory therapist salary in Baton Rouge, Louisiana is $64,897 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $70,540. Salaries range from $44,160 (10th percentile) to $91,080 (90th percentile).
How much does a Respiratory Therapist make per hour in Baton Rouge? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $64,897, a respiratory therapist in Baton Rouge earns approximately $31 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Baton Rouge compare to the Louisiana state average for respiratory therapist pay? ▼
Baton Rouge's median respiratory therapist salary of $64,897 is 1.1% above the Louisiana state average of $64,191. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Baton Rouge, LA? ▼
Baton Rouge has a cost of living index of 92% compared to the national average. This means a respiratory therapist salary of $64,897 in Baton Rouge has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a respiratory therapist in Baton Rouge? ▼
Most respiratory therapist positions in Baton Rouge 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.