Healthcare Lincoln, NE Pop. 291,082

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Lincoln, Nebraska

The median respiratory therapist salary in Lincoln, NE is $63,486 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 0.0% above the Nebraska state average.

City Median
$63,486
vs State Avg
+$0
vs National
$-7,054
Cost of Living
90%

Respiratory Therapist Pay in Lincoln: What to Expect (2026)

Lincoln offers a median respiratory therapist salary of $63,486, which is $0 above the Nebraska state average of $63,486. Compared to the national median of $70,540, Lincoln pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Lincoln'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 Lincoln 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 291,082, Lincoln is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Lincoln by Experience

In Lincoln, 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

Salary Percentiles in Lincoln, NE

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

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Other Nebraska Cities

Omaha, NE
$65,602
Pop. 486,051
Bellevue, NE
$64,897
Pop. 64,176
Kearney, NE
$60,664
Pop. 33,464
Grand Island, NE
$59,254
Pop. 53,131

How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Lincoln

Education

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

Find Respiratory Therapist Jobs in Lincoln

Browse open respiratory therapist positions in Lincoln, NE:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Respiratory Therapist Salary in Lincoln

How much does a Respiratory Therapist make in Lincoln, NE? ▼
The median respiratory therapist salary in Lincoln, 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 Lincoln? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $63,486, a respiratory therapist in Lincoln earns approximately $31 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Lincoln compare to the Nebraska state average for respiratory therapist pay? ▼
Lincoln's median respiratory therapist salary of $63,486 is 0.0% above the Nebraska state average of $63,486. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Lincoln, NE? ▼
Lincoln has a cost of living index of 90% compared to the national average. This means a respiratory therapist salary of $63,486 in Lincoln has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a respiratory therapist in Lincoln? ▼
Most respiratory therapist positions in Lincoln 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.