Healthcare Cambridge, MA Pop. 118,403

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Cambridge, Massachusetts

The median respiratory therapist salary in Cambridge, MA is $118,507 per year, which is 68.0% above the national median and 17.5% above the Massachusetts state average.

City Median
$118,507
vs State Avg
+$17,635
vs National
+$47,967
Cost of Living
160%

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

Cambridge offers a median respiratory therapist salary of $118,507, which is $17,635 above the Massachusetts state average of $100,872. Compared to the national median of $70,540, Cambridge pays above average for this role.

However, Cambridge's cost of living index is 160%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $118,507 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $74,067. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Cambridge should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for respiratory therapists in Cambridge spans from $80,640 at the 10th percentile to $166,320 at the 90th percentile — a $85,680 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $84,000, while senior respiratory therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $159,600. With a population of 118,403, Cambridge is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Cambridge by Experience

In Cambridge, an entry-level respiratory therapist earns around $84,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $159,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 160% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$84,000
+$34,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$120,960
+$48,960 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$159,600
+$64,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Cambridge, MA

Percentile Cambridge
10th Percentile $80,640
25th Percentile $95,760
Median (50th) $118,507
75th Percentile $144,480
90th Percentile $166,320

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Other Massachusetts Cities

Boston, MA
$112,864
Pop. 675,647
Worcester, MA
$83,237
Pop. 206,518
Lowell, MA
$79,710
Pop. 115,554
Springfield, MA
$74,772
Pop. 155,929

How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Cambridge

Education

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

Find Respiratory Therapist Jobs in Cambridge

Browse open respiratory therapist positions in Cambridge, MA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Respiratory Therapist Salary in Cambridge

How much does a Respiratory Therapist make in Cambridge, MA? ▼
The median respiratory therapist salary in Cambridge, Massachusetts is $118,507 per year, which is 68.0% above the national median of $70,540. Salaries range from $80,640 (10th percentile) to $166,320 (90th percentile).
How much does a Respiratory Therapist make per hour in Cambridge? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $118,507, a respiratory therapist in Cambridge earns approximately $57 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Cambridge compare to the Massachusetts state average for respiratory therapist pay? ▼
Cambridge's median respiratory therapist salary of $118,507 is 17.5% above the Massachusetts state average of $100,872. The local cost of living index is 160% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Cambridge, MA? ▼
Cambridge has a cost of living index of 160% compared to the national average. This means a respiratory therapist salary of $118,507 in Cambridge has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a respiratory therapist in Cambridge? ▼
Most respiratory therapist positions in Cambridge 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.