Healthcare Oklahoma (OK) Rank #47 of 50

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Oklahoma

The median respiratory therapist salary in Oklahoma is $59,254 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $70,540.

Median Salary
$59,254
vs National
$-11,286
State Rank
#47 of 50
Cost of Living
86%

Respiratory Therapist Salary Overview in Oklahoma (2026)

Oklahoma ranks #47 out of 50 states for respiratory therapist compensation. Respiratory Therapist salaries in Oklahoma are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $59,254 per year, respiratory therapists in Oklahoma earn $11,286 less than the national median of $70,540.

A key advantage of working in Oklahoma is its below-average cost of living (86% of the national index). This means the $59,254 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $68,900 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Oklahoma is significant: respiratory therapists at the 10th percentile earn $40,320, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $83,160 — a $42,840 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Oklahoma for this role is Edmond, where the median reaches $63,486.

Nationally, respiratory therapist employment is projected to grow 14% over the next decade (much faster than average). This strong growth suggests increasing demand and competitive salaries in Oklahoma and beyond.

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Oklahoma by Experience

In Oklahoma, an entry-level respiratory therapist earns around $42,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $79,800 per year. The cost of living index in Oklahoma is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$42,000
$-8,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$60,480
$-11,520 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$79,800
$-15,200 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Oklahoma

Percentile OK Salary
10th Percentile $40,320
25th Percentile $47,880
Median (50th) $59,254
75th Percentile $72,240
90th Percentile $83,160

Respiratory Therapist Salary by City in Oklahoma

The largest employment areas for respiratory therapists in Oklahoma include Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Norman, and Broken Arrow. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Oklahoma

Education

Most respiratory therapist positions require a associate's degree. Oklahoma has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Ventilator ManagementPulmonary Function TestingABG AnalysisOxygen TherapyCritical CarePatient Assessment

Job Outlook in Oklahoma

Nationally, respiratory therapist employment is projected to grow 14% over the next decade (much faster than average). Oklahoma's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Respiratory Therapist Salary in Oklahoma

How much does a Respiratory Therapist make in Oklahoma? ▼
The median respiratory therapist salary in Oklahoma is $59,254 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $70,540. Salaries range from $40,320 (10th percentile) to $83,160 (90th percentile).
How much does a Respiratory Therapist make per hour in Oklahoma? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $59,254, a respiratory therapist in Oklahoma earns approximately $28 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Oklahoma a good state for respiratory therapists? ▼
Oklahoma ranks #47 out of 50 states for respiratory therapist pay. The cost of living index is 86% of the national average. Entry-level respiratory therapists earn $42,000, while senior professionals earn $79,800.
How does Oklahoma compare to other states for respiratory therapist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for respiratory therapists is Hawaii at $125,561. Oklahoma's median of $59,254 ranks #47 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Kansas ($61,370) and Kentucky ($61,370).
What is the entry-level respiratory therapist salary in Oklahoma? ▼
An entry-level respiratory therapist in Oklahoma earns approximately $42,000 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $60,480. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $79,800.
What city in Oklahoma pays respiratory therapists the most? ▼
Edmond is the highest paying city in Oklahoma for respiratory therapists, with a median salary of $63,486. Other cities include Oklahoma City and Tulsa.