Healthcare Columbus, OH Pop. 905,748

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Columbus, Ohio

The median respiratory therapist salary in Columbus, OH is $68,424 per year, which is 3% below the national median and 5.4% above the Ohio state average.

City Median
$68,424
vs State Avg
+$3,527
vs National
$-2,116
Cost of Living
95%

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

Columbus offers a median respiratory therapist salary of $68,424, which is $3,527 above the Ohio state average of $64,897. Compared to the national median of $70,540, Columbus pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Columbus's cost of living is 95% 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 Columbus 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. As a major metro area with a population of 905,748, Columbus typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Columbus by Experience

In Columbus, 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 95% 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 Columbus, OH

Percentile Columbus
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 Ohio Cities

Cincinnati, OH
$64,897
Pop. 309,317
Cleveland, OH
$62,075
Pop. 372,624
Akron, OH
$60,664
Pop. 190,469
Toledo, OH
$59,254
Pop. 270,871

How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Columbus

Education

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

Find Respiratory Therapist Jobs in Columbus

Browse open respiratory therapist positions in Columbus, OH:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Respiratory Therapist Salary in Columbus

How much does a Respiratory Therapist make in Columbus, OH? ▼
The median respiratory therapist salary in Columbus, Ohio 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 Columbus? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $68,424, a respiratory therapist in Columbus earns approximately $33 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Columbus compare to the Ohio state average for respiratory therapist pay? ▼
Columbus's median respiratory therapist salary of $68,424 is 5.4% above the Ohio state average of $64,897. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Columbus, OH? ▼
Columbus has a cost of living index of 95% compared to the national average. This means a respiratory therapist salary of $68,424 in Columbus has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a respiratory therapist in Columbus? ▼
Most respiratory therapist positions in Columbus 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.