Healthcare Mississippi (MS) Rank #50 of 50

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Mississippi

The median respiratory therapist salary in Mississippi is $57,137 per year, which is 19% below the national median of $70,540.

Median Salary
$57,137
vs National
$-13,403
State Rank
#50 of 50
Cost of Living
83%

Respiratory Therapist Salary Overview in Mississippi (2026)

Mississippi ranks #50 out of 50 states for respiratory therapist compensation. Respiratory Therapist salaries in Mississippi are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $57,137 per year, respiratory therapists in Mississippi earn $13,403 less than the national median of $70,540.

A key advantage of working in Mississippi is its below-average cost of living (83% of the national index). This means the $57,137 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $68,840 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Mississippi is significant: respiratory therapists at the 10th percentile earn $38,880, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $80,190 — a $41,310 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Mississippi for this role is Jackson, where the median reaches $58,548.

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 Mississippi and beyond.

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Mississippi by Experience

In Mississippi, an entry-level respiratory therapist earns around $40,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $76,950 per year. The cost of living index in Mississippi is 83% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$40,500
$-9,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$58,320
$-13,680 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$76,950
$-18,050 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Mississippi

Percentile MS Salary
10th Percentile $38,880
25th Percentile $46,170
Median (50th) $57,137
75th Percentile $69,660
90th Percentile $80,190

Respiratory Therapist Salary by City in Mississippi

The largest employment areas for respiratory therapists in Mississippi include Jackson, Gulfport, Southaven, and Hattiesburg. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Mississippi

Education

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

Key Skills

Ventilator ManagementPulmonary Function TestingABG AnalysisOxygen TherapyCritical CarePatient Assessment

Job Outlook in Mississippi

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Respiratory Therapist Salary in Mississippi

How much does a Respiratory Therapist make in Mississippi? ▼
The median respiratory therapist salary in Mississippi is $57,137 per year, which is 19% below the national median of $70,540. Salaries range from $38,880 (10th percentile) to $80,190 (90th percentile).
How much does a Respiratory Therapist make per hour in Mississippi? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $57,137, a respiratory therapist in Mississippi earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Mississippi a good state for respiratory therapists? ▼
Mississippi ranks #50 out of 50 states for respiratory therapist pay. The cost of living index is 83% of the national average. Entry-level respiratory therapists earn $40,500, while senior professionals earn $76,950.
How does Mississippi compare to other states for respiratory therapist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for respiratory therapists is Hawaii at $125,561. Mississippi's median of $57,137 ranks #50 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Arkansas ($57,843) and West Virginia ($57,843).
What is the entry-level respiratory therapist salary in Mississippi? ▼
An entry-level respiratory therapist in Mississippi earns approximately $40,500 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $58,320. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $76,950.
What city in Mississippi pays respiratory therapists the most? ▼
Jackson is the highest paying city in Mississippi for respiratory therapists, with a median salary of $58,548. Other cities include Gulfport and Southaven.