Healthcare Salem, OR Pop. 175,535

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Salem, Oregon

The median respiratory therapist salary in Salem, OR is $73,362 per year, which is 4.0% above the national median and 7.1% below the Oregon state average.

City Median
$73,362
vs State Avg
$-5,643
vs National
+$2,822
Cost of Living
102%

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

Salem offers a median respiratory therapist salary of $73,362, which is $5,643 below the Oregon state average of $79,005. Compared to the national median of $70,540, Salem pays above average for this role.

Salem's cost of living is 102% 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 Salem spans from $49,920 at the 10th percentile to $102,960 at the 90th percentile — a $53,040 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $52,000, while senior respiratory therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $98,800. With a population of 175,535, Salem is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Salem by Experience

In Salem, an entry-level respiratory therapist earns around $52,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $98,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$52,000
+$2,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$74,880
+$2,880 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$98,800
+$3,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Salem, OR

Percentile Salem
10th Percentile $49,920
25th Percentile $59,280
Median (50th) $73,362
75th Percentile $89,440
90th Percentile $102,960

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Other Oregon Cities

Portland, OR
$84,648
Pop. 652,503
Hillsboro, OR
$80,416
Pop. 106,447
Gresham, OR
$77,594
Pop. 113,103
Eugene, OR
$75,478
Pop. 176,654

How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Salem

Education

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

Find Respiratory Therapist Jobs in Salem

Browse open respiratory therapist positions in Salem, OR:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Respiratory Therapist Salary in Salem

How much does a Respiratory Therapist make in Salem, OR? ▼
The median respiratory therapist salary in Salem, Oregon is $73,362 per year, which is 4.0% above the national median of $70,540. Salaries range from $49,920 (10th percentile) to $102,960 (90th percentile).
How much does a Respiratory Therapist make per hour in Salem? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $73,362, a respiratory therapist in Salem earns approximately $35 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Salem compare to the Oregon state average for respiratory therapist pay? ▼
Salem's median respiratory therapist salary of $73,362 is 7.1% below the Oregon state average of $79,005. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Salem, OR? ▼
Salem has a cost of living index of 102% compared to the national average. This means a respiratory therapist salary of $73,362 in Salem has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a respiratory therapist in Salem? ▼
Most respiratory therapist positions in Salem 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.