Healthcare Nebraska (NE) Rank #37 of 50

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Nebraska

The median respiratory therapist salary in Nebraska is $63,486 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $70,540.

Median Salary
$63,486
vs National
$-7,054
State Rank
#37 of 50
Cost of Living
90%

Respiratory Therapist Salary Overview in Nebraska (2026)

Nebraska ranks #37 out of 50 states for respiratory therapist compensation. Respiratory Therapist salaries in Nebraska are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $63,486 per year, respiratory therapists in Nebraska earn $7,054 less than the national median of $70,540.

A key advantage of working in Nebraska is its below-average cost of living (90% of the national index). This means the $63,486 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $70,540 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Nebraska is significant: respiratory therapists at the 10th percentile earn $43,200, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $89,100 — a $45,900 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Nebraska for this role is Omaha, where the median reaches $65,602.

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 Nebraska and beyond.

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Nebraska by Experience

In Nebraska, an entry-level respiratory therapist earns around $45,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $85,500 per year. The cost of living index in Nebraska 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

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Salary Percentiles in Nebraska

Percentile NE Salary
10th Percentile $43,200
25th Percentile $51,300
Median (50th) $63,486
75th Percentile $77,400
90th Percentile $89,100

Respiratory Therapist Salary by City in Nebraska

The largest employment areas for respiratory therapists in Nebraska include Omaha, Lincoln, Bellevue, and Grand Island. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Nebraska

Education

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

Key Skills

Ventilator ManagementPulmonary Function TestingABG AnalysisOxygen TherapyCritical CarePatient Assessment

Job Outlook in Nebraska

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Respiratory Therapist Salary in Nebraska

How much does a Respiratory Therapist make in Nebraska? ▼
The median respiratory therapist salary in Nebraska 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 Nebraska? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $63,486, a respiratory therapist in Nebraska earns approximately $31 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Nebraska a good state for respiratory therapists? ▼
Nebraska ranks #37 out of 50 states for respiratory therapist pay. The cost of living index is 90% of the national average. Entry-level respiratory therapists earn $45,000, while senior professionals earn $85,500.
How does Nebraska compare to other states for respiratory therapist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for respiratory therapists is Hawaii at $125,561. Nebraska's median of $63,486 ranks #37 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Indiana ($63,486) and Michigan ($63,486).
What is the entry-level respiratory therapist salary in Nebraska? ▼
An entry-level respiratory therapist in Nebraska earns approximately $45,000 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $64,800. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $85,500.
What city in Nebraska pays respiratory therapists the most? ▼
Omaha is the highest paying city in Nebraska for respiratory therapists, with a median salary of $65,602. Other cities include Lincoln and Bellevue.