Respiratory Therapist Salary in Houston, Texas
The median respiratory therapist salary in Houston, TX is $69,129 per year, which is 2% below the national median and 4.3% above the Texas state average.
Respiratory Therapist Pay in Houston: What to Expect (2026)
Houston offers a median respiratory therapist salary of $69,129, which is $2,821 above the Texas state average of $66,308. Compared to the national median of $70,540, Houston pays below the national benchmark for this role.
Houston's cost of living is 96% 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 Houston spans from $47,040 at the 10th percentile to $97,020 at the 90th percentile — a $49,980 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $49,000, while senior respiratory therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $93,100. As a major metro area with a population of 2,304,580, Houston typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.
Respiratory Therapist Salary in Houston by Experience
In Houston, an entry-level respiratory therapist earns around $49,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $93,100 per year. The local cost of living index is 96% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Houston, TX
| Percentile | Houston |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $47,040 |
| 25th Percentile | $55,860 |
| Median (50th) | $69,129 |
| 75th Percentile | $84,280 |
| 90th Percentile | $97,020 |
Respiratory Therapist Salary in Other Texas Cities
How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Houston
Education
Most respiratory therapist positions require a associate's degree. Houston and the surrounding Texas area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook
Nationally, respiratory therapist employment is projected to grow 14% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Houston may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Respiratory Therapist Jobs in Houston
Browse open respiratory therapist positions in Houston, TX: