Healthcare Seattle, WA Pop. 737,015

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Seattle, Washington

The median respiratory therapist salary in Seattle, WA is $107,221 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median and 27.7% above the Washington state average.

City Median
$107,221
vs State Avg
+$23,278
vs National
+$36,681
Cost of Living
148%

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

Seattle offers a median respiratory therapist salary of $107,221, which is $23,278 above the Washington state average of $83,943. Compared to the national median of $70,540, Seattle pays above average for this role.

However, Seattle's cost of living index is 148%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $107,221 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $72,447. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Seattle should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for respiratory therapists in Seattle spans from $72,960 at the 10th percentile to $150,480 at the 90th percentile — a $77,520 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $76,000, while senior respiratory therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $144,400. As a major metro area with a population of 737,015, Seattle typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Seattle by Experience

In Seattle, an entry-level respiratory therapist earns around $76,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $144,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 148% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$76,000
+$26,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$109,440
+$37,440 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$144,400
+$49,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Seattle, WA

Percentile Seattle
10th Percentile $72,960
25th Percentile $86,640
Median (50th) $107,221
75th Percentile $130,720
90th Percentile $150,480

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Other Washington Cities

Bellevue, WA
$110,042
Pop. 151,854
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 Seattle

Education

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

Find Respiratory Therapist Jobs in Seattle

Browse open respiratory therapist positions in Seattle, WA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Respiratory Therapist Salary in Seattle

How much does a Respiratory Therapist make in Seattle, WA? ▼
The median respiratory therapist salary in Seattle, Washington is $107,221 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median of $70,540. Salaries range from $72,960 (10th percentile) to $150,480 (90th percentile).
How much does a Respiratory Therapist make per hour in Seattle? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $107,221, a respiratory therapist in Seattle earns approximately $52 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Seattle compare to the Washington state average for respiratory therapist pay? ▼
Seattle's median respiratory therapist salary of $107,221 is 27.7% above the Washington state average of $83,943. The local cost of living index is 148% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Seattle, WA? ▼
Seattle has a cost of living index of 148% compared to the national average. This means a respiratory therapist salary of $107,221 in Seattle has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a respiratory therapist in Seattle? ▼
Most respiratory therapist positions in Seattle 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.