Respiratory Therapist Salary in Grand Island, NE: $59,254 (2026)

Respiratory Therapist Pay in Grand Island: What to Expect (2026)

Grand Island offers a median respiratory therapist salary of $59,254, which is $4,232 below the Nebraska state average of $63,486. Compared to the national median of $70,540, Grand Island pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Grand Island's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 84% of the national average. This means the $59,254 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $70,540 in an average-cost city. This makes Grand Island an attractive option for respiratory therapists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for respiratory therapists in Grand Island spans from $40,320 at the 10th percentile to $83,160 at the 90th percentile — a $42,840 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $42,000, while senior respiratory therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $79,800. Grand Island is a smaller market (pop. 53,131), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Grand Island by Experience

In Grand Island, an entry-level respiratory therapist earns around $42,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $79,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$42,000

$-8,000 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$60,480

$-11,520 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$79,800

$-15,200 vs national

Percentile	Grand Island	NE State	National
10th Percentile	$40,320	$43,200	$48,000
25th Percentile	$47,880	$51,300	$57,000
Median (50th)	$59,254	$63,486	$70,540
75th Percentile	$72,240	$77,400	$86,000
90th Percentile	$83,160	$89,100	$99,000

Percentile

Grand Island

10th Percentile

$40,320

25th Percentile

$47,880

Median (50th)

$59,254

75th Percentile

$72,240

90th Percentile

$83,160

How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Grand Island

Education

Most respiratory therapist positions require a associate's degree. Grand Island and the surrounding Nebraska 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 Grand Island may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Respiratory Therapist Salary in Grand Island

How much does a Respiratory Therapist make in Grand Island, NE? ▼

The median respiratory therapist salary in Grand Island, Nebraska is $59,254 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $70,540. Salaries range from $40,320 (10th percentile) to $83,160 (90th percentile).

How much does a Respiratory Therapist make per hour in Grand Island? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $59,254, a respiratory therapist in Grand Island earns approximately $28 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Grand Island compare to the Nebraska state average for respiratory therapist pay? ▼

Grand Island's median respiratory therapist salary of $59,254 is 6.7% below the Nebraska state average of $63,486. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Grand Island, NE? ▼

Grand Island has a cost of living index of 84% compared to the national average. This means a respiratory therapist salary of $59,254 in Grand Island has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a respiratory therapist in Grand Island? ▼

Most respiratory therapist positions in Grand Island 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 Grand Island, Nebraska