Healthcare Independence, MO Pop. 123,011

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Independence, Missouri

The median respiratory therapist salary in Independence, MO is $59,959 per year, which is 15% below the national median and 3.4% below the Missouri state average.

City Median
$59,959
vs State Avg
$-2,116
vs National
$-10,581
Cost of Living
85%

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

Independence offers a median respiratory therapist salary of $59,959, which is $2,116 below the Missouri state average of $62,075. Compared to the national median of $70,540, Independence pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Independence's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 85% of the national average. This means the $59,959 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $70,540 in an average-cost city. This makes Independence an attractive option for respiratory therapists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for respiratory therapists in Independence spans from $40,800 at the 10th percentile to $84,150 at the 90th percentile — a $43,350 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $42,500, while senior respiratory therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $80,750. With a population of 123,011, Independence is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Independence by Experience

In Independence, an entry-level respiratory therapist earns around $42,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $80,750 per year. The local cost of living index is 85% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$42,500
$-7,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$61,200
$-10,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$80,750
$-14,250 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Independence, MO

Percentile Independence
10th Percentile $40,800
25th Percentile $48,450
Median (50th) $59,959
75th Percentile $73,100
90th Percentile $84,150

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Other Missouri Cities

Kansas City, MO
$64,897
Pop. 508,090
Saint Louis, MO
$63,486
Pop. 301,578
Columbia, MO
$62,075
Pop. 126,254
Springfield, MO
$57,843
Pop. 169,176

How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Independence

Education

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

Find Respiratory Therapist Jobs in Independence

Browse open respiratory therapist positions in Independence, MO:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Respiratory Therapist Salary in Independence

How much does a Respiratory Therapist make in Independence, MO? ▼
The median respiratory therapist salary in Independence, Missouri is $59,959 per year, which is 15% below the national median of $70,540. Salaries range from $40,800 (10th percentile) to $84,150 (90th percentile).
How much does a Respiratory Therapist make per hour in Independence? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $59,959, a respiratory therapist in Independence earns approximately $29 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Independence compare to the Missouri state average for respiratory therapist pay? ▼
Independence's median respiratory therapist salary of $59,959 is 3.4% below the Missouri state average of $62,075. The local cost of living index is 85% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Independence, MO? ▼
Independence has a cost of living index of 85% compared to the national average. This means a respiratory therapist salary of $59,959 in Independence has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a respiratory therapist in Independence? ▼
Most respiratory therapist positions in Independence 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.