Respiratory Therapist Salary in Wheeling, WV: $53,610 (2026)

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

Wheeling offers a median respiratory therapist salary of $53,610, which is $4,233 below the West Virginia state average of $57,843. Compared to the national median of $70,540, Wheeling pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Wheeling's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 78% of the national average. This means the $53,610 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $68,731 in an average-cost city. This makes Wheeling an attractive option for respiratory therapists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for respiratory therapists in Wheeling spans from $36,480 at the 10th percentile to $75,240 at the 90th percentile — a $38,760 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $38,000, while senior respiratory therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $72,200. Wheeling is a smaller market (pop. 26,711), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Wheeling by Experience

In Wheeling, an entry-level respiratory therapist earns around $38,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $72,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 78% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$38,000

$-12,000 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$54,720

$-17,280 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$72,200

$-22,800 vs national

Percentile	Wheeling	WV State	National
10th Percentile	$36,480	$39,360	$48,000
25th Percentile	$43,320	$46,740	$57,000
Median (50th)	$53,610	$57,843	$70,540
75th Percentile	$65,360	$70,520	$86,000
90th Percentile	$75,240	$81,180	$99,000

Percentile

Wheeling

10th Percentile

$36,480

25th Percentile

$43,320

Median (50th)

$53,610

75th Percentile

$65,360

90th Percentile

$75,240

How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Wheeling

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Respiratory Therapist Salary in Wheeling

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

The median respiratory therapist salary in Wheeling, West Virginia is $53,610 per year, which is 24% below the national median of $70,540. Salaries range from $36,480 (10th percentile) to $75,240 (90th percentile).

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

Based on the median annual salary of $53,610, a respiratory therapist in Wheeling earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

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

Wheeling's median respiratory therapist salary of $53,610 is 7.3% below the West Virginia state average of $57,843. The local cost of living index is 78% of the national average.

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

Wheeling has a cost of living index of 78% compared to the national average. This means a respiratory therapist salary of $53,610 in Wheeling has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

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

Most respiratory therapist positions in Wheeling 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 Wheeling, West Virginia