Respiratory Therapist Salary in Mitchell, SD: $57,843 (2026)

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

Mitchell offers a median respiratory therapist salary of $57,843, which is $4,232 below the South Dakota state average of $62,075. Compared to the national median of $70,540, Mitchell pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Mitchell's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 82% of the national average. This means the $57,843 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $70,540 in an average-cost city. This makes Mitchell an attractive option for respiratory therapists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for respiratory therapists in Mitchell spans from $39,360 at the 10th percentile to $81,180 at the 90th percentile — a $41,820 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $41,000, while senior respiratory therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $77,900. Mitchell is a smaller market (pop. 15,660), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Mitchell by Experience

In Mitchell, an entry-level respiratory therapist earns around $41,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $77,900 per year. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$41,000

$-9,000 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$59,040

$-12,960 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$77,900

$-17,100 vs national

Percentile	Mitchell	SD State	National
10th Percentile	$39,360	$42,240	$48,000
25th Percentile	$46,740	$50,160	$57,000
Median (50th)	$57,843	$62,075	$70,540
75th Percentile	$70,520	$75,680	$86,000
90th Percentile	$81,180	$87,120	$99,000

Percentile

Mitchell

10th Percentile

$39,360

25th Percentile

$46,740

Median (50th)

$57,843

75th Percentile

$70,520

90th Percentile

$81,180

How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Mitchell

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Respiratory Therapist Salary in Mitchell

How much does a Respiratory Therapist make in Mitchell, SD? ▼

The median respiratory therapist salary in Mitchell, South Dakota is $57,843 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $70,540. Salaries range from $39,360 (10th percentile) to $81,180 (90th percentile).

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

Based on the median annual salary of $57,843, a respiratory therapist in Mitchell earns approximately $28 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Mitchell compare to the South Dakota state average for respiratory therapist pay? ▼

Mitchell's median respiratory therapist salary of $57,843 is 6.8% below the South Dakota state average of $62,075. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Mitchell, SD? ▼

Mitchell has a cost of living index of 82% compared to the national average. This means a respiratory therapist salary of $57,843 in Mitchell has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

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

Most respiratory therapist positions in Mitchell 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 Mitchell, South Dakota