Healthcare Richmond, VA Pop. 226,610

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Richmond, Virginia

The median respiratory therapist salary in Richmond, VA is $71,951 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median and 3.8% below the Virginia state average.

City Median
$71,951
vs State Avg
$-2,821
vs National
+$1,411
Cost of Living
100%

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

Richmond offers a median respiratory therapist salary of $71,951, which is $2,821 below the Virginia state average of $74,772. Compared to the national median of $70,540, Richmond pays above average for this role.

Richmond's cost of living is 100% 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 Richmond spans from $48,960 at the 10th percentile to $100,980 at the 90th percentile — a $52,020 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $51,000, while senior respiratory therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $96,900. With a population of 226,610, Richmond is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Richmond by Experience

In Richmond, an entry-level respiratory therapist earns around $51,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $96,900 per year. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$51,000
+$1,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$73,440
+$1,440 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$96,900
+$1,900 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Richmond, VA

Percentile Richmond
10th Percentile $48,960
25th Percentile $58,140
Median (50th) $71,951
75th Percentile $87,720
90th Percentile $100,980

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Other Virginia Cities

Arlington, VA
$94,524
Pop. 238,643
Virginia Beach, VA
$73,362
Pop. 449,974
Chesapeake, VA
$70,540
Pop. 249,422
Norfolk, VA
$69,129
Pop. 238,005

How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Richmond

Education

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

Find Respiratory Therapist Jobs in Richmond

Browse open respiratory therapist positions in Richmond, VA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Respiratory Therapist Salary in Richmond

How much does a Respiratory Therapist make in Richmond, VA? ▼
The median respiratory therapist salary in Richmond, Virginia is $71,951 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median of $70,540. Salaries range from $48,960 (10th percentile) to $100,980 (90th percentile).
How much does a Respiratory Therapist make per hour in Richmond? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $71,951, a respiratory therapist in Richmond earns approximately $35 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Richmond compare to the Virginia state average for respiratory therapist pay? ▼
Richmond's median respiratory therapist salary of $71,951 is 3.8% below the Virginia state average of $74,772. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Richmond, VA? ▼
Richmond has a cost of living index of 100% compared to the national average. This means a respiratory therapist salary of $71,951 in Richmond has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a respiratory therapist in Richmond? ▼
Most respiratory therapist positions in Richmond 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.