Healthcare Erie, PA Pop. 94,831

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Erie, Pennsylvania

The median respiratory therapist salary in Erie, PA is $61,370 per year, which is 13% below the national median and 12.1% below the Pennsylvania state average.

City Median
$61,370
vs State Avg
$-8,465
vs National
$-9,170
Cost of Living
84%

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

Erie offers a median respiratory therapist salary of $61,370, which is $8,465 below the Pennsylvania state average of $69,835. Compared to the national median of $70,540, Erie pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Erie's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 84% of the national average. This means the $61,370 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $73,060 in an average-cost city. This makes Erie an attractive option for respiratory therapists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for respiratory therapists in Erie spans from $41,760 at the 10th percentile to $86,130 at the 90th percentile — a $44,370 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $43,500, while senior respiratory therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $82,650. Erie is a smaller market (pop. 94,831), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Erie by Experience

In Erie, an entry-level respiratory therapist earns around $43,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $82,650 per year. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$43,500
$-6,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$62,640
$-9,360 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$82,650
$-12,350 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Erie, PA

Percentile Erie
10th Percentile $41,760
25th Percentile $49,590
Median (50th) $61,370
75th Percentile $74,820
90th Percentile $86,130

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Other Pennsylvania Cities

Philadelphia, PA
$74,067
Pop. 1,603,797
Allentown, PA
$68,424
Pop. 126,092
Pittsburgh, PA
$67,718
Pop. 302,971
Reading, PA
$64,191
Pop. 95,112

How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Erie

Education

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

Find Respiratory Therapist Jobs in Erie

Browse open respiratory therapist positions in Erie, PA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Respiratory Therapist Salary in Erie

How much does a Respiratory Therapist make in Erie, PA? ▼
The median respiratory therapist salary in Erie, Pennsylvania is $61,370 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $70,540. Salaries range from $41,760 (10th percentile) to $86,130 (90th percentile).
How much does a Respiratory Therapist make per hour in Erie? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $61,370, a respiratory therapist in Erie earns approximately $30 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Erie compare to the Pennsylvania state average for respiratory therapist pay? ▼
Erie's median respiratory therapist salary of $61,370 is 12.1% below the Pennsylvania state average of $69,835. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Erie, PA? ▼
Erie has a cost of living index of 84% compared to the national average. This means a respiratory therapist salary of $61,370 in Erie has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a respiratory therapist in Erie? ▼
Most respiratory therapist positions in Erie 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.