Healthcare Arlington, VA Pop. 238,643

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Arlington, Virginia

The median respiratory therapist salary in Arlington, VA is $94,524 per year, which is 34.0% above the national median and 26.4% above the Virginia state average.

City Median
$94,524
vs State Avg
+$19,752
vs National
+$23,984
Cost of Living
132%

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

Arlington offers a median respiratory therapist salary of $94,524, which is $19,752 above the Virginia state average of $74,772. Compared to the national median of $70,540, Arlington pays above average for this role.

However, Arlington's cost of living index is 132%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $94,524 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $71,609. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Arlington should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for respiratory therapists in Arlington spans from $64,320 at the 10th percentile to $132,660 at the 90th percentile — a $68,340 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $67,000, while senior respiratory therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $127,300. With a population of 238,643, Arlington is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Arlington by Experience

In Arlington, an entry-level respiratory therapist earns around $67,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $127,300 per year. The local cost of living index is 132% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$67,000
+$17,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$96,480
+$24,480 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$127,300
+$32,300 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Arlington, VA

Percentile Arlington
10th Percentile $64,320
25th Percentile $76,380
Median (50th) $94,524
75th Percentile $115,240
90th Percentile $132,660

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Other Virginia Cities

Virginia Beach, VA
$73,362
Pop. 449,974
Richmond, VA
$71,951
Pop. 226,610
Chesapeake, VA
$70,540
Pop. 249,422
Norfolk, VA
$69,129
Pop. 238,005

How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Arlington

Education

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

Find Respiratory Therapist Jobs in Arlington

Browse open respiratory therapist positions in Arlington, VA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Respiratory Therapist Salary in Arlington

How much does a Respiratory Therapist make in Arlington, VA? ▼
The median respiratory therapist salary in Arlington, Virginia is $94,524 per year, which is 34.0% above the national median of $70,540. Salaries range from $64,320 (10th percentile) to $132,660 (90th percentile).
How much does a Respiratory Therapist make per hour in Arlington? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $94,524, a respiratory therapist in Arlington earns approximately $45 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Arlington compare to the Virginia state average for respiratory therapist pay? ▼
Arlington's median respiratory therapist salary of $94,524 is 26.4% above the Virginia state average of $74,772. The local cost of living index is 132% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Arlington, VA? ▼
Arlington has a cost of living index of 132% compared to the national average. This means a respiratory therapist salary of $94,524 in Arlington has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a respiratory therapist in Arlington? ▼
Most respiratory therapist positions in Arlington 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.