Healthcare Virginia Beach, VA Pop. 449,974

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Virginia Beach, Virginia

The median respiratory therapist salary in Virginia Beach, VA is $73,362 per year, which is 4.0% above the national median and 1.9% below the Virginia state average.

City Median
$73,362
vs State Avg
$-1,410
vs National
+$2,822
Cost of Living
102%

Respiratory Therapist Pay in Virginia Beach: What to Expect (2026)

Virginia Beach offers a median respiratory therapist salary of $73,362, which is $1,410 below the Virginia state average of $74,772. Compared to the national median of $70,540, Virginia Beach pays above average for this role.

Virginia Beach's cost of living is 102% 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 Virginia Beach spans from $49,920 at the 10th percentile to $102,960 at the 90th percentile — a $53,040 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $52,000, while senior respiratory therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $98,800. With a population of 449,974, Virginia Beach is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Virginia Beach by Experience

In Virginia Beach, an entry-level respiratory therapist earns around $52,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $98,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$52,000
+$2,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$74,880
+$2,880 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$98,800
+$3,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Virginia Beach, VA

Percentile Virginia Beach
10th Percentile $49,920
25th Percentile $59,280
Median (50th) $73,362
75th Percentile $89,440
90th Percentile $102,960

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Other Virginia Cities

Arlington, VA
$94,524
Pop. 238,643
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 Virginia Beach

Education

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

Find Respiratory Therapist Jobs in Virginia Beach

Browse open respiratory therapist positions in Virginia Beach, VA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Respiratory Therapist Salary in Virginia Beach

How much does a Respiratory Therapist make in Virginia Beach, VA? ▼
The median respiratory therapist salary in Virginia Beach, Virginia is $73,362 per year, which is 4.0% above the national median of $70,540. Salaries range from $49,920 (10th percentile) to $102,960 (90th percentile).
How much does a Respiratory Therapist make per hour in Virginia Beach? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $73,362, a respiratory therapist in Virginia Beach earns approximately $35 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Virginia Beach compare to the Virginia state average for respiratory therapist pay? ▼
Virginia Beach's median respiratory therapist salary of $73,362 is 1.9% below the Virginia state average of $74,772. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Virginia Beach, VA? ▼
Virginia Beach has a cost of living index of 102% compared to the national average. This means a respiratory therapist salary of $73,362 in Virginia Beach has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a respiratory therapist in Virginia Beach? ▼
Most respiratory therapist positions in Virginia Beach 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.