Healthcare Lafayette, LA Pop. 121,374

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Lafayette, Louisiana

The median respiratory therapist salary in Lafayette, LA is $62,075 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 3.3% below the Louisiana state average.

City Median
$62,075
vs State Avg
$-2,116
vs National
$-8,465
Cost of Living
88%

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

Lafayette offers a median respiratory therapist salary of $62,075, which is $2,116 below the Louisiana state average of $64,191. Compared to the national median of $70,540, Lafayette pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Lafayette'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 Lafayette an attractive option for respiratory therapists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for respiratory therapists in Lafayette 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 121,374, Lafayette is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Lafayette by Experience

In Lafayette, 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

Salary Percentiles in Lafayette, LA

Percentile Lafayette
10th Percentile $42,240
25th Percentile $50,160
Median (50th) $62,075
75th Percentile $75,680
90th Percentile $87,120

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Other Louisiana Cities

New Orleans, LA
$69,129
Pop. 383,997
Baton Rouge, LA
$64,897
Pop. 227,470
Lake Charles, LA
$60,664
Pop. 80,000
Shreveport, LA
$59,959
Pop. 187,593

How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Lafayette

Education

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

Find Respiratory Therapist Jobs in Lafayette

Browse open respiratory therapist positions in Lafayette, LA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Respiratory Therapist Salary in Lafayette

How much does a Respiratory Therapist make in Lafayette, LA? ▼
The median respiratory therapist salary in Lafayette, Louisiana 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 Lafayette? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $62,075, a respiratory therapist in Lafayette earns approximately $30 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Lafayette compare to the Louisiana state average for respiratory therapist pay? ▼
Lafayette's median respiratory therapist salary of $62,075 is 3.3% below the Louisiana state average of $64,191. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Lafayette, LA? ▼
Lafayette has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a respiratory therapist salary of $62,075 in Lafayette has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a respiratory therapist in Lafayette? ▼
Most respiratory therapist positions in Lafayette 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.