Healthcare Shreveport, LA Pop. 187,593

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Shreveport, Louisiana

The median respiratory therapist salary in Shreveport, LA is $59,959 per year, which is 15% below the national median and 6.6% below the Louisiana state average.

City Median
$59,959
vs State Avg
$-4,232
vs National
$-10,581
Cost of Living
85%

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

Shreveport offers a median respiratory therapist salary of $59,959, which is $4,232 below the Louisiana state average of $64,191. Compared to the national median of $70,540, Shreveport pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Shreveport's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 85% of the national average. This means the $59,959 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $70,540 in an average-cost city. This makes Shreveport an attractive option for respiratory therapists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for respiratory therapists in Shreveport spans from $40,800 at the 10th percentile to $84,150 at the 90th percentile — a $43,350 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $42,500, while senior respiratory therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $80,750. With a population of 187,593, Shreveport is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Shreveport by Experience

In Shreveport, an entry-level respiratory therapist earns around $42,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $80,750 per year. The local cost of living index is 85% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$42,500
$-7,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$61,200
$-10,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$80,750
$-14,250 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Shreveport, LA

Percentile Shreveport
10th Percentile $40,800
25th Percentile $48,450
Median (50th) $59,959
75th Percentile $73,100
90th Percentile $84,150

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Other Louisiana Cities

New Orleans, LA
$69,129
Pop. 383,997
Baton Rouge, LA
$64,897
Pop. 227,470
Lafayette, LA
$62,075
Pop. 121,374
Lake Charles, LA
$60,664
Pop. 80,000

How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Shreveport

Education

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

Find Respiratory Therapist Jobs in Shreveport

Browse open respiratory therapist positions in Shreveport, LA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Respiratory Therapist Salary in Shreveport

How much does a Respiratory Therapist make in Shreveport, LA? ▼
The median respiratory therapist salary in Shreveport, Louisiana is $59,959 per year, which is 15% below the national median of $70,540. Salaries range from $40,800 (10th percentile) to $84,150 (90th percentile).
How much does a Respiratory Therapist make per hour in Shreveport? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $59,959, a respiratory therapist in Shreveport earns approximately $29 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Shreveport compare to the Louisiana state average for respiratory therapist pay? ▼
Shreveport's median respiratory therapist salary of $59,959 is 6.6% below the Louisiana state average of $64,191. The local cost of living index is 85% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Shreveport, LA? ▼
Shreveport has a cost of living index of 85% compared to the national average. This means a respiratory therapist salary of $59,959 in Shreveport has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a respiratory therapist in Shreveport? ▼
Most respiratory therapist positions in Shreveport 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.