Healthcare Providence, RI Pop. 190,934

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Providence, Rhode Island

The median respiratory therapist salary in Providence, RI is $78,299 per year, which is 11.0% above the national median and 2.8% above the Rhode Island state average.

City Median
$78,299
vs State Avg
+$2,116
vs National
+$7,759
Cost of Living
108%

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

Providence offers a median respiratory therapist salary of $78,299, which is $2,116 above the Rhode Island state average of $76,183. Compared to the national median of $70,540, Providence pays above average for this role.

Providence's cost of living is 108% 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 Providence spans from $53,280 at the 10th percentile to $109,890 at the 90th percentile — a $56,610 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $55,500, while senior respiratory therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $105,450. With a population of 190,934, Providence is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Providence by Experience

In Providence, an entry-level respiratory therapist earns around $55,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $105,450 per year. The local cost of living index is 108% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$55,500
+$5,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$79,920
+$7,920 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$105,450
+$10,450 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Providence, RI

Percentile Providence
10th Percentile $53,280
25th Percentile $63,270
Median (50th) $78,299
75th Percentile $95,460
90th Percentile $109,890

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Other Rhode Island Cities

How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Providence

Education

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

Find Respiratory Therapist Jobs in Providence

Browse open respiratory therapist positions in Providence, RI:

Frequently Asked Questions: Respiratory Therapist Salary in Providence

How much does a Respiratory Therapist make in Providence, RI? ▼
The median respiratory therapist salary in Providence, Rhode Island is $78,299 per year, which is 11.0% above the national median of $70,540. Salaries range from $53,280 (10th percentile) to $109,890 (90th percentile).
How much does a Respiratory Therapist make per hour in Providence? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $78,299, a respiratory therapist in Providence earns approximately $38 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Providence compare to the Rhode Island state average for respiratory therapist pay? ▼
Providence's median respiratory therapist salary of $78,299 is 2.8% above the Rhode Island state average of $76,183. The local cost of living index is 108% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Providence, RI? ▼
Providence has a cost of living index of 108% compared to the national average. This means a respiratory therapist salary of $78,299 in Providence has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a respiratory therapist in Providence? ▼
Most respiratory therapist positions in Providence 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.