Healthcare Elizabeth, NJ Pop. 137,298

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Elizabeth, New Jersey

The median respiratory therapist salary in Elizabeth, NJ is $79,710 per year, which is 13.0% above the national median and 5.8% below the New Jersey state average.

City Median
$79,710
vs State Avg
$-4,938
vs National
+$9,170
Cost of Living
108%

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

Elizabeth offers a median respiratory therapist salary of $79,710, which is $4,938 below the New Jersey state average of $84,648. Compared to the national median of $70,540, Elizabeth pays above average for this role.

Elizabeth's cost of living is 108% 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 Elizabeth spans from $54,240 at the 10th percentile to $111,870 at the 90th percentile — a $57,630 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $56,500, while senior respiratory therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $107,350. With a population of 137,298, Elizabeth is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Elizabeth by Experience

In Elizabeth, an entry-level respiratory therapist earns around $56,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $107,350 per year. The local cost of living index is 108% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$56,500
+$6,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$81,360
+$9,360 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$107,350
+$12,350 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Elizabeth, NJ

Percentile Elizabeth
10th Percentile $54,240
25th Percentile $64,410
Median (50th) $79,710
75th Percentile $97,180
90th Percentile $111,870

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Other New Jersey Cities

Jersey City, NJ
$93,818
Pop. 292,449
Edison, NJ
$84,648
Pop. 107,588
Newark, NJ
$82,532
Pop. 311,549
Paterson, NJ
$77,594
Pop. 159,732

How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Elizabeth

Education

Most respiratory therapist positions require a associate's degree. Elizabeth and the surrounding New Jersey 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 Elizabeth may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Respiratory Therapist Jobs in Elizabeth

Browse open respiratory therapist positions in Elizabeth, NJ:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Respiratory Therapist Salary in Elizabeth

How much does a Respiratory Therapist make in Elizabeth, NJ? ▼
The median respiratory therapist salary in Elizabeth, New Jersey is $79,710 per year, which is 13.0% above the national median of $70,540. Salaries range from $54,240 (10th percentile) to $111,870 (90th percentile).
How much does a Respiratory Therapist make per hour in Elizabeth? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $79,710, a respiratory therapist in Elizabeth earns approximately $38 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Elizabeth compare to the New Jersey state average for respiratory therapist pay? ▼
Elizabeth's median respiratory therapist salary of $79,710 is 5.8% below the New Jersey state average of $84,648. The local cost of living index is 108% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Elizabeth, NJ? ▼
Elizabeth has a cost of living index of 108% compared to the national average. This means a respiratory therapist salary of $79,710 in Elizabeth has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a respiratory therapist in Elizabeth? ▼
Most respiratory therapist positions in Elizabeth 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.