Respiratory Therapist Salary in Parkersburg, WV: $55,021 (2026)

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

Parkersburg offers a median respiratory therapist salary of $55,021, which is $2,822 below the West Virginia state average of $57,843. Compared to the national median of $70,540, Parkersburg pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Parkersburg's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 80% of the national average. This means the $55,021 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $68,776 in an average-cost city. This makes Parkersburg an attractive option for respiratory therapists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for respiratory therapists in Parkersburg spans from $37,440 at the 10th percentile to $77,220 at the 90th percentile — a $39,780 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $39,000, while senior respiratory therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $74,100. Parkersburg is a smaller market (pop. 29,675), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Parkersburg by Experience

In Parkersburg, an entry-level respiratory therapist earns around $39,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $74,100 per year. The local cost of living index is 80% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$39,000

$-11,000 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$56,160

$-15,840 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$74,100

$-20,900 vs national

Percentile	Parkersburg	WV State	National
10th Percentile	$37,440	$39,360	$48,000
25th Percentile	$44,460	$46,740	$57,000
Median (50th)	$55,021	$57,843	$70,540
75th Percentile	$67,080	$70,520	$86,000
90th Percentile	$77,220	$81,180	$99,000

Percentile

Parkersburg

10th Percentile

$37,440

25th Percentile

$44,460

Median (50th)

$55,021

75th Percentile

$67,080

90th Percentile

$77,220

How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Parkersburg

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Respiratory Therapist Salary in Parkersburg

How much does a Respiratory Therapist make in Parkersburg, WV? ▼

The median respiratory therapist salary in Parkersburg, West Virginia is $55,021 per year, which is 22% below the national median of $70,540. Salaries range from $37,440 (10th percentile) to $77,220 (90th percentile).

How much does a Respiratory Therapist make per hour in Parkersburg? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $55,021, a respiratory therapist in Parkersburg earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Parkersburg compare to the West Virginia state average for respiratory therapist pay? ▼

Parkersburg's median respiratory therapist salary of $55,021 is 4.9% below the West Virginia state average of $57,843. The local cost of living index is 80% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Parkersburg, WV? ▼

Parkersburg has a cost of living index of 80% compared to the national average. This means a respiratory therapist salary of $55,021 in Parkersburg has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a respiratory therapist in Parkersburg? ▼

Most respiratory therapist positions in Parkersburg 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.

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Parkersburg, West Virginia