Respiratory Therapist Salary in Saint Louis, MO: $63,486 (2026)

Respiratory Therapist Pay in Saint Louis: What to Expect (2026)

Saint Louis offers a median respiratory therapist salary of $63,486, which is $1,411 above the Missouri state average of $62,075. Compared to the national median of $70,540, Saint Louis pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Saint Louis's cost of living is 90% 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 Saint Louis spans from $43,200 at the 10th percentile to $89,100 at the 90th percentile — a $45,900 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $45,000, while senior respiratory therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $85,500. With a population of 301,578, Saint Louis is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Saint Louis by Experience

In Saint Louis, an entry-level respiratory therapist earns around $45,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $85,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$45,000

$-5,000 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$64,800

$-7,200 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$85,500

$-9,500 vs national

Percentile	Saint Louis	MO State	National
10th Percentile	$43,200	$42,240	$48,000
25th Percentile	$51,300	$50,160	$57,000
Median (50th)	$63,486	$62,075	$70,540
75th Percentile	$77,400	$75,680	$86,000
90th Percentile	$89,100	$87,120	$99,000

Percentile

Saint Louis

10th Percentile

$43,200

25th Percentile

$51,300

Median (50th)

$63,486

75th Percentile

$77,400

90th Percentile

$89,100

How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Saint Louis

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Respiratory Therapist Salary in Saint Louis

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

The median respiratory therapist salary in Saint Louis, Missouri is $63,486 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $70,540. Salaries range from $43,200 (10th percentile) to $89,100 (90th percentile).

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

Based on the median annual salary of $63,486, a respiratory therapist in Saint Louis earns approximately $31 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

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

Saint Louis's median respiratory therapist salary of $63,486 is 2.3% above the Missouri state average of $62,075. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Saint Louis, MO? ▼

Saint Louis has a cost of living index of 90% compared to the national average. This means a respiratory therapist salary of $63,486 in Saint Louis has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

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

Most respiratory therapist positions in Saint Louis 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 Saint Louis, Missouri