Healthcare Pittsburgh, PA Pop. 302,971

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

The median respiratory therapist salary in Pittsburgh, PA is $67,718 per year, which is 4% below the national median and 3% below the Pennsylvania state average.

City Median
$67,718
vs State Avg
$-2,117
vs National
$-2,822
Cost of Living
93%

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

Pittsburgh offers a median respiratory therapist salary of $67,718, which is $2,117 below the Pennsylvania state average of $69,835. Compared to the national median of $70,540, Pittsburgh pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Pittsburgh's cost of living is 93% 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 Pittsburgh spans from $46,080 at the 10th percentile to $95,040 at the 90th percentile — a $48,960 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $48,000, while senior respiratory therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $91,200. With a population of 302,971, Pittsburgh is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Pittsburgh by Experience

In Pittsburgh, an entry-level respiratory therapist earns around $48,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $91,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 93% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$48,000
$-2,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$69,120
$-2,880 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$91,200
$-3,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Pittsburgh, PA

Percentile Pittsburgh
10th Percentile $46,080
25th Percentile $54,720
Median (50th) $67,718
75th Percentile $82,560
90th Percentile $95,040

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Other Pennsylvania Cities

Philadelphia, PA
$74,067
Pop. 1,603,797
Allentown, PA
$68,424
Pop. 126,092
Reading, PA
$64,191
Pop. 95,112
Erie, PA
$61,370
Pop. 94,831

How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Pittsburgh

Education

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

Find Respiratory Therapist Jobs in Pittsburgh

Browse open respiratory therapist positions in Pittsburgh, PA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Respiratory Therapist Salary in Pittsburgh

How much does a Respiratory Therapist make in Pittsburgh, PA? ▼
The median respiratory therapist salary in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania is $67,718 per year, which is 4% below the national median of $70,540. Salaries range from $46,080 (10th percentile) to $95,040 (90th percentile).
How much does a Respiratory Therapist make per hour in Pittsburgh? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $67,718, a respiratory therapist in Pittsburgh earns approximately $33 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Pittsburgh compare to the Pennsylvania state average for respiratory therapist pay? ▼
Pittsburgh's median respiratory therapist salary of $67,718 is 3% below the Pennsylvania state average of $69,835. The local cost of living index is 93% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Pittsburgh, PA? ▼
Pittsburgh has a cost of living index of 93% compared to the national average. This means a respiratory therapist salary of $67,718 in Pittsburgh has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a respiratory therapist in Pittsburgh? ▼
Most respiratory therapist positions in Pittsburgh 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.