Respiratory Therapist Salary in Great Falls, MT: $60,664 (2026)

Respiratory Therapist Pay in Great Falls: What to Expect (2026)

Great Falls offers a median respiratory therapist salary of $60,664, which is $4,938 below the Montana state average of $65,602. Compared to the national median of $70,540, Great Falls pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Great Falls's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $60,664 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $68,936 in an average-cost city. This makes Great Falls an attractive option for respiratory therapists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for respiratory therapists in Great Falls spans from $41,280 at the 10th percentile to $85,140 at the 90th percentile — a $43,860 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $43,000, while senior respiratory therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $81,700. Great Falls is a smaller market (pop. 60,442), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Great Falls by Experience

In Great Falls, an entry-level respiratory therapist earns around $43,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $81,700 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$43,000

$-7,000 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$61,920

$-10,080 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$81,700

$-13,300 vs national

Percentile	Great Falls	MT State	National
10th Percentile	$41,280	$44,640	$48,000
25th Percentile	$49,020	$53,010	$57,000
Median (50th)	$60,664	$65,602	$70,540
75th Percentile	$73,960	$79,980	$86,000
90th Percentile	$85,140	$92,070	$99,000

Percentile

Great Falls

10th Percentile

$41,280

25th Percentile

$49,020

Median (50th)

$60,664

75th Percentile

$73,960

90th Percentile

$85,140

How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Great Falls

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Respiratory Therapist Salary in Great Falls

How much does a Respiratory Therapist make in Great Falls, MT? ▼

The median respiratory therapist salary in Great Falls, Montana is $60,664 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $70,540. Salaries range from $41,280 (10th percentile) to $85,140 (90th percentile).

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

Based on the median annual salary of $60,664, a respiratory therapist in Great Falls earns approximately $29 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Great Falls compare to the Montana state average for respiratory therapist pay? ▼

Great Falls's median respiratory therapist salary of $60,664 is 7.5% below the Montana state average of $65,602. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Great Falls, MT? ▼

Great Falls has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a respiratory therapist salary of $60,664 in Great Falls has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

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

Most respiratory therapist positions in Great Falls 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 Great Falls, Montana