Respiratory Therapist Salary in Columbia, MO: $62,075 (2026)

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

Columbia offers a median respiratory therapist salary of $62,075, which is $0 above the Missouri state average of $62,075. Compared to the national median of $70,540, Columbia pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Columbia'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 Columbia an attractive option for respiratory therapists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for respiratory therapists in Columbia 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. With a population of 126,254, Columbia is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Columbia by Experience

In Columbia, 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

Percentile	Columbia	MO State	National
10th Percentile	$42,240	$42,240	$48,000
25th Percentile	$50,160	$50,160	$57,000
Median (50th)	$62,075	$62,075	$70,540
75th Percentile	$75,680	$75,680	$86,000
90th Percentile	$87,120	$87,120	$99,000

Percentile

Columbia

10th Percentile

$42,240

25th Percentile

$50,160

Median (50th)

$62,075

75th Percentile

$75,680

90th Percentile

$87,120

How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Columbia

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Respiratory Therapist Salary in Columbia

How much does a Respiratory Therapist make in Columbia, MO? ▼

The median respiratory therapist salary in Columbia, Missouri 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 Columbia? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $62,075, a respiratory therapist in Columbia earns approximately $30 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Columbia compare to the Missouri state average for respiratory therapist pay? ▼

Columbia's median respiratory therapist salary of $62,075 is 0.0% above the Missouri state average of $62,075. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Columbia, MO? ▼

Columbia has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a respiratory therapist salary of $62,075 in Columbia has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

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

Most respiratory therapist positions in Columbia 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 Columbia, Missouri