Healthcare Norfolk, VA Pop. 238,005

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Norfolk, Virginia

The median respiratory therapist salary in Norfolk, VA is $69,129 per year, which is 2% below the national median and 7.5% below the Virginia state average.

City Median
$69,129
vs State Avg
$-5,643
vs National
$-1,411
Cost of Living
96%

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

Norfolk offers a median respiratory therapist salary of $69,129, which is $5,643 below the Virginia state average of $74,772. Compared to the national median of $70,540, Norfolk pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Norfolk'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 Norfolk 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. With a population of 238,005, Norfolk is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Norfolk by Experience

In Norfolk, 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.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$49,000
$-1,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$70,560
$-1,440 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$93,100
$-1,900 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Norfolk, VA

Percentile Norfolk
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 Virginia Cities

Arlington, VA
$94,524
Pop. 238,643
Virginia Beach, VA
$73,362
Pop. 449,974
Richmond, VA
$71,951
Pop. 226,610
Chesapeake, VA
$70,540
Pop. 249,422

How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Norfolk

Education

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

Find Respiratory Therapist Jobs in Norfolk

Browse open respiratory therapist positions in Norfolk, VA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Respiratory Therapist Salary in Norfolk

How much does a Respiratory Therapist make in Norfolk, VA? ▼
The median respiratory therapist salary in Norfolk, Virginia is $69,129 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $70,540. Salaries range from $47,040 (10th percentile) to $97,020 (90th percentile).
How much does a Respiratory Therapist make per hour in Norfolk? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $69,129, a respiratory therapist in Norfolk earns approximately $33 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Norfolk compare to the Virginia state average for respiratory therapist pay? ▼
Norfolk's median respiratory therapist salary of $69,129 is 7.5% below the Virginia state average of $74,772. The local cost of living index is 96% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Norfolk, VA? ▼
Norfolk has a cost of living index of 96% compared to the national average. This means a respiratory therapist salary of $69,129 in Norfolk has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a respiratory therapist in Norfolk? ▼
Most respiratory therapist positions in Norfolk 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.