Healthcare Columbia, MD Pop. 104,681

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Columbia, Maryland

The median respiratory therapist salary in Columbia, MD is $86,059 per year, which is 22.0% above the national median and 7.0% above the Maryland state average.

City Median
$86,059
vs State Avg
+$5,643
vs National
+$15,519
Cost of Living
118%

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

Columbia offers a median respiratory therapist salary of $86,059, which is $5,643 above the Maryland state average of $80,416. Compared to the national median of $70,540, Columbia pays above average for this role.

However, Columbia's cost of living index is 118%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $86,059 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $72,931. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Columbia should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for respiratory therapists in Columbia spans from $58,560 at the 10th percentile to $120,780 at the 90th percentile — a $62,220 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $61,000, while senior respiratory therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $115,900. With a population of 104,681, Columbia is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Columbia by Experience

In Columbia, an entry-level respiratory therapist earns around $61,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $115,900 per year. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$61,000
+$11,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$87,840
+$15,840 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$115,900
+$20,900 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Columbia, MD

Percentile Columbia
10th Percentile $58,560
25th Percentile $69,540
Median (50th) $86,059
75th Percentile $104,920
90th Percentile $120,780

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Other Maryland Cities

Silver Spring, MD
$88,880
Pop. 81,015
Germantown, MD
$83,943
Pop. 90,676
Baltimore, MD
$79,005
Pop. 585,708
Waldorf, MD
$76,889
Pop. 77,000

How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Columbia

Education

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

Find Respiratory Therapist Jobs in Columbia

Browse open respiratory therapist positions in Columbia, MD:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Respiratory Therapist Salary in Columbia

How much does a Respiratory Therapist make in Columbia, MD? ▼
The median respiratory therapist salary in Columbia, Maryland is $86,059 per year, which is 22.0% above the national median of $70,540. Salaries range from $58,560 (10th percentile) to $120,780 (90th percentile).
How much does a Respiratory Therapist make per hour in Columbia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $86,059, a respiratory therapist in Columbia earns approximately $41 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Columbia compare to the Maryland state average for respiratory therapist pay? ▼
Columbia's median respiratory therapist salary of $86,059 is 7.0% above the Maryland state average of $80,416. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Columbia, MD? ▼
Columbia has a cost of living index of 118% compared to the national average. This means a respiratory therapist salary of $86,059 in Columbia has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a respiratory therapist in Columbia? ▼
Most respiratory therapist positions in Columbia 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.