Respiratory Therapist Salary in Southaven, MS: $57,843 (2026)

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

Southaven offers a median respiratory therapist salary of $57,843, which is $706 above the Mississippi state average of $57,137. Compared to the national median of $70,540, Southaven pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Southaven's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 84% of the national average. This means the $57,843 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $68,861 in an average-cost city. This makes Southaven an attractive option for respiratory therapists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for respiratory therapists in Southaven spans from $39,360 at the 10th percentile to $81,180 at the 90th percentile — a $41,820 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $41,000, while senior respiratory therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $77,900. Southaven is a smaller market (pop. 55,026), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Southaven by Experience

In Southaven, an entry-level respiratory therapist earns around $41,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $77,900 per year. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$41,000

$-9,000 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$59,040

$-12,960 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$77,900

$-17,100 vs national

Percentile	Southaven	MS State	National
10th Percentile	$39,360	$38,880	$48,000
25th Percentile	$46,740	$46,170	$57,000
Median (50th)	$57,843	$57,137	$70,540
75th Percentile	$70,520	$69,660	$86,000
90th Percentile	$81,180	$80,190	$99,000

Percentile

Southaven

10th Percentile

$39,360

25th Percentile

$46,740

Median (50th)

$57,843

75th Percentile

$70,520

90th Percentile

$81,180

How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Southaven

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Respiratory Therapist Salary in Southaven

How much does a Respiratory Therapist make in Southaven, MS? ▼

The median respiratory therapist salary in Southaven, Mississippi is $57,843 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $70,540. Salaries range from $39,360 (10th percentile) to $81,180 (90th percentile).

How much does a Respiratory Therapist make per hour in Southaven? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $57,843, a respiratory therapist in Southaven earns approximately $28 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Southaven compare to the Mississippi state average for respiratory therapist pay? ▼

Southaven's median respiratory therapist salary of $57,843 is 1.2% above the Mississippi state average of $57,137. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Southaven, MS? ▼

Southaven has a cost of living index of 84% compared to the national average. This means a respiratory therapist salary of $57,843 in Southaven has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a respiratory therapist in Southaven? ▼

Most respiratory therapist positions in Southaven 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.

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Southaven, Mississippi