Healthcare Bellevue, WA Pop. 151,854

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Bellevue, Washington

The median respiratory therapist salary in Bellevue, WA is $110,042 per year, which is 56.0% above the national median and 31.1% above the Washington state average.

City Median
$110,042
vs State Avg
+$26,099
vs National
+$39,502
Cost of Living
152%

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

Bellevue offers a median respiratory therapist salary of $110,042, which is $26,099 above the Washington state average of $83,943. Compared to the national median of $70,540, Bellevue pays above average for this role.

However, Bellevue's cost of living index is 152%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $110,042 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $72,396. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Bellevue should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for respiratory therapists in Bellevue spans from $74,880 at the 10th percentile to $154,440 at the 90th percentile — a $79,560 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $78,000, while senior respiratory therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $148,200. With a population of 151,854, Bellevue is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Bellevue by Experience

In Bellevue, an entry-level respiratory therapist earns around $78,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $148,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$78,000
+$28,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$112,320
+$40,320 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$148,200
+$53,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Bellevue, WA

Percentile Bellevue
10th Percentile $74,880
25th Percentile $88,920
Median (50th) $110,042
75th Percentile $134,160
90th Percentile $154,440

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Other Washington Cities

Seattle, WA
$107,221
Pop. 737,015
Tacoma, WA
$80,416
Pop. 219,346
Vancouver, WA
$74,772
Pop. 190,915
Spokane, WA
$67,718
Pop. 228,989

How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Bellevue

Education

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

Find Respiratory Therapist Jobs in Bellevue

Browse open respiratory therapist positions in Bellevue, WA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Respiratory Therapist Salary in Bellevue

How much does a Respiratory Therapist make in Bellevue, WA? ▼
The median respiratory therapist salary in Bellevue, Washington is $110,042 per year, which is 56.0% above the national median of $70,540. Salaries range from $74,880 (10th percentile) to $154,440 (90th percentile).
How much does a Respiratory Therapist make per hour in Bellevue? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $110,042, a respiratory therapist in Bellevue earns approximately $53 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Bellevue compare to the Washington state average for respiratory therapist pay? ▼
Bellevue's median respiratory therapist salary of $110,042 is 31.1% above the Washington state average of $83,943. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Bellevue, WA? ▼
Bellevue has a cost of living index of 152% compared to the national average. This means a respiratory therapist salary of $110,042 in Bellevue has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a respiratory therapist in Bellevue? ▼
Most respiratory therapist positions in Bellevue 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.