Healthcare Rochester, MN Pop. 121,395

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Rochester, Minnesota

The median respiratory therapist salary in Rochester, MN is $71,951 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median and 1.0% above the Minnesota state average.

City Median
$71,951
vs State Avg
+$706
vs National
+$1,411
Cost of Living
98%

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

Rochester offers a median respiratory therapist salary of $71,951, which is $706 above the Minnesota state average of $71,245. Compared to the national median of $70,540, Rochester pays above average for this role.

Rochester's cost of living is 98% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for respiratory therapists in Rochester spans from $48,960 at the 10th percentile to $100,980 at the 90th percentile — a $52,020 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $51,000, while senior respiratory therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $96,900. With a population of 121,395, Rochester is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Rochester by Experience

In Rochester, an entry-level respiratory therapist earns around $51,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $96,900 per year. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$51,000
+$1,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$73,440
+$1,440 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$96,900
+$1,900 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Rochester, MN

Percentile Rochester
10th Percentile $48,960
25th Percentile $58,140
Median (50th) $71,951
75th Percentile $87,720
90th Percentile $100,980

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Other Minnesota Cities

Minneapolis, MN
$76,889
Pop. 429,954
Bloomington, MN
$74,772
Pop. 89,987
Saint Paul, MN
$73,362
Pop. 311,527
Duluth, MN
$66,308
Pop. 90,884

How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Rochester

Education

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

Find Respiratory Therapist Jobs in Rochester

Browse open respiratory therapist positions in Rochester, MN:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Respiratory Therapist Salary in Rochester

How much does a Respiratory Therapist make in Rochester, MN? ▼
The median respiratory therapist salary in Rochester, Minnesota is $71,951 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median of $70,540. Salaries range from $48,960 (10th percentile) to $100,980 (90th percentile).
How much does a Respiratory Therapist make per hour in Rochester? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $71,951, a respiratory therapist in Rochester earns approximately $35 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Rochester compare to the Minnesota state average for respiratory therapist pay? ▼
Rochester's median respiratory therapist salary of $71,951 is 1.0% above the Minnesota state average of $71,245. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Rochester, MN? ▼
Rochester has a cost of living index of 98% compared to the national average. This means a respiratory therapist salary of $71,951 in Rochester has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a respiratory therapist in Rochester? ▼
Most respiratory therapist positions in Rochester 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.