Healthcare Buffalo, NY Pop. 278,349

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Buffalo, New York

The median respiratory therapist salary in Buffalo, NY is $68,424 per year, which is 3% below the national median and 23.6% below the New York state average.

City Median
$68,424
vs State Avg
$-21,162
vs National
$-2,116
Cost of Living
92%

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

Buffalo offers a median respiratory therapist salary of $68,424, which is $21,162 below the New York state average of $89,586. Compared to the national median of $70,540, Buffalo pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Buffalo's cost of living is 92% 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 Buffalo spans from $46,560 at the 10th percentile to $96,030 at the 90th percentile — a $49,470 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $48,500, while senior respiratory therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $92,150. With a population of 278,349, Buffalo is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Buffalo by Experience

In Buffalo, an entry-level respiratory therapist earns around $48,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $92,150 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$48,500
$-1,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$69,840
$-2,160 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$92,150
$-2,850 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Buffalo, NY

Percentile Buffalo
10th Percentile $46,560
25th Percentile $55,290
Median (50th) $68,424
75th Percentile $83,420
90th Percentile $96,030

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Other New York Cities

New York City, NY
$135,437
Pop. 8,336,817
Yonkers, NY
$98,756
Pop. 211,569
Albany, NY
$72,656
Pop. 99,224
Rochester, NY
$67,013
Pop. 211,328

How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Buffalo

Education

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

Find Respiratory Therapist Jobs in Buffalo

Browse open respiratory therapist positions in Buffalo, NY:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Respiratory Therapist Salary in Buffalo

How much does a Respiratory Therapist make in Buffalo, NY? ▼
The median respiratory therapist salary in Buffalo, New York is $68,424 per year, which is 3% below the national median of $70,540. Salaries range from $46,560 (10th percentile) to $96,030 (90th percentile).
How much does a Respiratory Therapist make per hour in Buffalo? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $68,424, a respiratory therapist in Buffalo earns approximately $33 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Buffalo compare to the New York state average for respiratory therapist pay? ▼
Buffalo's median respiratory therapist salary of $68,424 is 23.6% below the New York state average of $89,586. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Buffalo, NY? ▼
Buffalo has a cost of living index of 92% compared to the national average. This means a respiratory therapist salary of $68,424 in Buffalo has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a respiratory therapist in Buffalo? ▼
Most respiratory therapist positions in Buffalo 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.