Respiratory Therapist Salary in Reading, PA: $64,191 (2026)

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

Reading offers a median respiratory therapist salary of $64,191, which is $5,644 below the Pennsylvania state average of $69,835. Compared to the national median of $70,540, Reading pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Reading's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $64,191 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $72,944 in an average-cost city. This makes Reading an attractive option for respiratory therapists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for respiratory therapists in Reading spans from $43,680 at the 10th percentile to $90,090 at the 90th percentile — a $46,410 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $45,500, while senior respiratory therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $86,450. Reading is a smaller market (pop. 95,112), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Reading by Experience

In Reading, an entry-level respiratory therapist earns around $45,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $86,450 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$45,500

$-4,500 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$65,520

$-6,480 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$86,450

$-8,550 vs national

Percentile	Reading	PA State	National
10th Percentile	$43,680	$47,520	$48,000
25th Percentile	$51,870	$56,430	$57,000
Median (50th)	$64,191	$69,835	$70,540
75th Percentile	$78,260	$85,140	$86,000
90th Percentile	$90,090	$98,010	$99,000

Percentile

Reading

10th Percentile

$43,680

25th Percentile

$51,870

Median (50th)

$64,191

75th Percentile

$78,260

90th Percentile

$90,090

How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Reading

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Respiratory Therapist Salary in Reading

How much does a Respiratory Therapist make in Reading, PA? ▼

The median respiratory therapist salary in Reading, Pennsylvania is $64,191 per year, which is 9% below the national median of $70,540. Salaries range from $43,680 (10th percentile) to $90,090 (90th percentile).

How much does a Respiratory Therapist make per hour in Reading? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $64,191, a respiratory therapist in Reading earns approximately $31 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Reading compare to the Pennsylvania state average for respiratory therapist pay? ▼

Reading's median respiratory therapist salary of $64,191 is 8.1% below the Pennsylvania state average of $69,835. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Reading, PA? ▼

Reading has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a respiratory therapist salary of $64,191 in Reading has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a respiratory therapist in Reading? ▼

Most respiratory therapist positions in Reading 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.

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Reading, Pennsylvania