Healthcare Detroit, MI Pop. 639,111

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Detroit, Michigan

The median respiratory therapist salary in Detroit, MI is $62,075 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 2.2% below the Michigan state average.

City Median
$62,075
vs State Avg
$-1,411
vs National
$-8,465
Cost of Living
88%

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

Detroit offers a median respiratory therapist salary of $62,075, which is $1,411 below the Michigan state average of $63,486. Compared to the national median of $70,540, Detroit pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Detroit's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $62,075 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $70,540 in an average-cost city. This makes Detroit an attractive option for respiratory therapists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for respiratory therapists in Detroit spans from $42,240 at the 10th percentile to $87,120 at the 90th percentile — a $44,880 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $44,000, while senior respiratory therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $83,600. As a major metro area with a population of 639,111, Detroit typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Detroit by Experience

In Detroit, an entry-level respiratory therapist earns around $44,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $83,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$44,000
$-6,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$63,360
$-8,640 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$83,600
$-11,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Detroit, MI

Percentile Detroit
10th Percentile $42,240
25th Percentile $50,160
Median (50th) $62,075
75th Percentile $75,680
90th Percentile $87,120

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Other Michigan Cities

Ann Arbor, MI
$74,067
Pop. 123,851
Grand Rapids, MI
$63,486
Pop. 198,917
Warren, MI
$62,075
Pop. 139,387
Lansing, MI
$60,664
Pop. 112,644

How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Detroit

Education

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

Find Respiratory Therapist Jobs in Detroit

Browse open respiratory therapist positions in Detroit, MI:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Respiratory Therapist Salary in Detroit

How much does a Respiratory Therapist make in Detroit, MI? ▼
The median respiratory therapist salary in Detroit, Michigan is $62,075 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $70,540. Salaries range from $42,240 (10th percentile) to $87,120 (90th percentile).
How much does a Respiratory Therapist make per hour in Detroit? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $62,075, a respiratory therapist in Detroit earns approximately $30 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Detroit compare to the Michigan state average for respiratory therapist pay? ▼
Detroit's median respiratory therapist salary of $62,075 is 2.2% below the Michigan state average of $63,486. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Detroit, MI? ▼
Detroit has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a respiratory therapist salary of $62,075 in Detroit has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a respiratory therapist in Detroit? ▼
Most respiratory therapist positions in Detroit 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.