Healthcare Montana (MT) Rank #28 of 50

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Montana

The median respiratory therapist salary in Montana is $65,602 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $70,540.

Median Salary
$65,602
vs National
$-4,938
State Rank
#28 of 50
Cost of Living
95%

Respiratory Therapist Salary Overview in Montana (2026)

Montana ranks #28 out of 50 states for respiratory therapist compensation. Respiratory Therapist salaries in Montana are below the national median, though the higher cost of living makes this gap more significant. At $65,602 per year, respiratory therapists in Montana earn $4,938 less than the national median of $70,540.

Montana's cost of living is near the national average at 95%, meaning respiratory therapist salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Montana is significant: respiratory therapists at the 10th percentile earn $44,640, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $92,070 — a $47,430 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Montana for this role is Bozeman, where the median reaches $79,710.

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 Montana and beyond.

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Montana by Experience

In Montana, an entry-level respiratory therapist earns around $46,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $88,350 per year. The cost of living index in Montana is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$46,500
$-3,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$66,960
$-5,040 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$88,350
$-6,650 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Montana

Percentile MT Salary
10th Percentile $44,640
25th Percentile $53,010
Median (50th) $65,602
75th Percentile $79,980
90th Percentile $92,070

Respiratory Therapist Salary by City in Montana

The largest employment areas for respiratory therapists in Montana include Billings, Missoula, Great Falls, and Bozeman. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Montana

Education

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

Key Skills

Ventilator ManagementPulmonary Function TestingABG AnalysisOxygen TherapyCritical CarePatient Assessment

Job Outlook in Montana

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Respiratory Therapist Salary in Montana

How much does a Respiratory Therapist make in Montana? ▼
The median respiratory therapist salary in Montana is $65,602 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $70,540. Salaries range from $44,640 (10th percentile) to $92,070 (90th percentile).
How much does a Respiratory Therapist make per hour in Montana? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $65,602, a respiratory therapist in Montana earns approximately $32 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Montana a good state for respiratory therapists? ▼
Montana ranks #28 out of 50 states for respiratory therapist pay. The cost of living index is 95% of the national average. Entry-level respiratory therapists earn $46,500, while senior professionals earn $88,350.
How does Montana compare to other states for respiratory therapist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for respiratory therapists is Hawaii at $125,561. Montana's median of $65,602 ranks #28 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Wisconsin ($66,308) and Georgia ($65,602).
What is the entry-level respiratory therapist salary in Montana? ▼
An entry-level respiratory therapist in Montana earns approximately $46,500 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $66,960. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $88,350.
What city in Montana pays respiratory therapists the most? ▼
Bozeman is the highest paying city in Montana for respiratory therapists, with a median salary of $79,710. Other cities include Billings and Missoula.