Healthcare New Orleans, LA Pop. 383,997

Respiratory Therapist Salary in New Orleans, Louisiana

The median respiratory therapist salary in New Orleans, LA is $69,129 per year, which is 2% below the national median and 7.7% above the Louisiana state average.

City Median
$69,129
vs State Avg
+$4,938
vs National
$-1,411
Cost of Living
98%

Respiratory Therapist Pay in New Orleans: What to Expect (2026)

New Orleans offers a median respiratory therapist salary of $69,129, which is $4,938 above the Louisiana state average of $64,191. Compared to the national median of $70,540, New Orleans pays below the national benchmark for this role.

New Orleans's cost of living is 98% 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 New Orleans spans from $47,040 at the 10th percentile to $97,020 at the 90th percentile — a $49,980 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $49,000, while senior respiratory therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $93,100. With a population of 383,997, New Orleans is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Respiratory Therapist Salary in New Orleans by Experience

In New Orleans, an entry-level respiratory therapist earns around $49,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $93,100 per year. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$49,000
$-1,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$70,560
$-1,440 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$93,100
$-1,900 vs national

Salary Percentiles in New Orleans, LA

Percentile New Orleans
10th Percentile $47,040
25th Percentile $55,860
Median (50th) $69,129
75th Percentile $84,280
90th Percentile $97,020

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Other Louisiana Cities

Baton Rouge, LA
$64,897
Pop. 227,470
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 New Orleans

Education

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

Find Respiratory Therapist Jobs in New Orleans

Browse open respiratory therapist positions in New Orleans, LA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Respiratory Therapist Salary in New Orleans

How much does a Respiratory Therapist make in New Orleans, LA? ▼
The median respiratory therapist salary in New Orleans, Louisiana is $69,129 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $70,540. Salaries range from $47,040 (10th percentile) to $97,020 (90th percentile).
How much does a Respiratory Therapist make per hour in New Orleans? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $69,129, a respiratory therapist in New Orleans earns approximately $33 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does New Orleans compare to the Louisiana state average for respiratory therapist pay? ▼
New Orleans's median respiratory therapist salary of $69,129 is 7.7% above the Louisiana state average of $64,191. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in New Orleans, LA? ▼
New Orleans has a cost of living index of 98% compared to the national average. This means a respiratory therapist salary of $69,129 in New Orleans has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a respiratory therapist in New Orleans? ▼
Most respiratory therapist positions in New Orleans 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.