Healthcare Maryland (MD) Rank #9 of 50

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Maryland

The median respiratory therapist salary in Maryland is $80,416 per year, which is 14.0% above the national median of $70,540.

Median Salary
$80,416
vs National
+$9,876
State Rank
#9 of 50
Cost of Living
110%

Respiratory Therapist Salary Overview in Maryland (2026)

Maryland ranks #9 out of 50 states for respiratory therapist compensation. This places Maryland in the top tier nationally, making it one of the best states for respiratory therapists seeking high pay. At $80,416 per year, respiratory therapists in Maryland earn $9,876 more than the national median of $70,540.

It's worth noting that Maryland's cost of living is 110% of the national average, which reduces the real purchasing power of the $80,416 salary. After adjusting for cost of living, the effective salary is closer to $73,105.

The salary spread in Maryland is significant: respiratory therapists at the 10th percentile earn $54,720, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $112,860 — a $58,140 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Maryland for this role is Silver Spring, where the median reaches $88,880.

Nationally, respiratory therapist employment is projected to grow 14% over the next decade (much faster than average). This strong growth suggests increasing demand and competitive salaries in Maryland and beyond.

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Maryland by Experience

In Maryland, an entry-level respiratory therapist earns around $57,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $108,300 per year. The cost of living index in Maryland is 110% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$57,000
+$7,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$82,080
+$10,080 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$108,300
+$13,300 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Maryland

Percentile MD Salary
10th Percentile $54,720
25th Percentile $64,980
Median (50th) $80,416
75th Percentile $98,040
90th Percentile $112,860

Respiratory Therapist Salary by City in Maryland

The largest employment areas for respiratory therapists in Maryland include Baltimore, Columbia, Silver Spring, and Germantown. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Maryland

Education

Most respiratory therapist positions require a associate's degree. Maryland has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Ventilator ManagementPulmonary Function TestingABG AnalysisOxygen TherapyCritical CarePatient Assessment

Job Outlook in Maryland

Nationally, respiratory therapist employment is projected to grow 14% over the next decade (much faster than average). Maryland's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Respiratory Therapist Salary in Maryland

How much does a Respiratory Therapist make in Maryland? ▼
The median respiratory therapist salary in Maryland is $80,416 per year, which is 14.0% above the national median of $70,540. Salaries range from $54,720 (10th percentile) to $112,860 (90th percentile).
How much does a Respiratory Therapist make per hour in Maryland? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $80,416, a respiratory therapist in Maryland earns approximately $39 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Maryland a good state for respiratory therapists? ▼
Maryland ranks #9 out of 50 states for respiratory therapist pay. The cost of living index is 110% of the national average. Entry-level respiratory therapists earn $57,000, while senior professionals earn $108,300.
How does Maryland compare to other states for respiratory therapist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for respiratory therapists is Hawaii at $125,561. Maryland's median of $80,416 ranks #9 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Washington ($83,943) and Connecticut ($81,826).
What is the entry-level respiratory therapist salary in Maryland? ▼
An entry-level respiratory therapist in Maryland earns approximately $57,000 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $82,080. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $108,300.
What city in Maryland pays respiratory therapists the most? ▼
Silver Spring is the highest paying city in Maryland for respiratory therapists, with a median salary of $88,880. Other cities include Baltimore and Columbia.