Healthcare Jersey City, NJ Pop. 292,449

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Jersey City, New Jersey

The median respiratory therapist salary in Jersey City, NJ is $93,818 per year, which is 33.0% above the national median and 10.8% above the New Jersey state average.

City Median
$93,818
vs State Avg
+$9,170
vs National
+$23,278
Cost of Living
128%

Respiratory Therapist Pay in Jersey City: What to Expect (2026)

Jersey City offers a median respiratory therapist salary of $93,818, which is $9,170 above the New Jersey state average of $84,648. Compared to the national median of $70,540, Jersey City pays above average for this role.

However, Jersey City's cost of living index is 128%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $93,818 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $73,295. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Jersey City should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for respiratory therapists in Jersey City spans from $63,840 at the 10th percentile to $131,670 at the 90th percentile — a $67,830 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $66,500, while senior respiratory therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $126,350. With a population of 292,449, Jersey City is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Jersey City by Experience

In Jersey City, an entry-level respiratory therapist earns around $66,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $126,350 per year. The local cost of living index is 128% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$66,500
+$16,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$95,760
+$23,760 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$126,350
+$31,350 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Jersey City, NJ

Percentile Jersey City
10th Percentile $63,840
25th Percentile $75,810
Median (50th) $93,818
75th Percentile $114,380
90th Percentile $131,670

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Other New Jersey Cities

Edison, NJ
$84,648
Pop. 107,588
Newark, NJ
$82,532
Pop. 311,549
Elizabeth, NJ
$79,710
Pop. 137,298
Paterson, NJ
$77,594
Pop. 159,732

How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Jersey City

Education

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

Find Respiratory Therapist Jobs in Jersey City

Browse open respiratory therapist positions in Jersey City, NJ:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Respiratory Therapist Salary in Jersey City

How much does a Respiratory Therapist make in Jersey City, NJ? ▼
The median respiratory therapist salary in Jersey City, New Jersey is $93,818 per year, which is 33.0% above the national median of $70,540. Salaries range from $63,840 (10th percentile) to $131,670 (90th percentile).
How much does a Respiratory Therapist make per hour in Jersey City? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $93,818, a respiratory therapist in Jersey City earns approximately $45 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Jersey City compare to the New Jersey state average for respiratory therapist pay? ▼
Jersey City's median respiratory therapist salary of $93,818 is 10.8% above the New Jersey state average of $84,648. The local cost of living index is 128% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Jersey City, NJ? ▼
Jersey City has a cost of living index of 128% compared to the national average. This means a respiratory therapist salary of $93,818 in Jersey City has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a respiratory therapist in Jersey City? ▼
Most respiratory therapist positions in Jersey City 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.