According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean salary of a respiratory therapist is approximately $58,000 a year. Statistics prove that those with an advanced degree like an associates degree or bachelors degree can qualify to earn up to $70,000 a year.
Introduction
A respiratory therapist is a health care professional who cares for patients with respiratory problems. He also provides emergency care to patients suffering from cardiac conditions such as drowning, strokes and heart attacks. Respiratory therapists perform diagnostic tests and prescribe treatments to heart and lung patients using different treatment techniques, which may involve therapy, medication or both. They may also teach patients how to administer and use their treatment.
Respiratory Therapist Salary
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, or BLS, the median annual income of respiratory therapists at all educational levels was $62,810 in 2020. Respiratory therapists with master’s degrees rise quicker to higher positions, allowing them to earn more. However, the exact value depends on the region and industry in which they work.
In 2020, the BLS reports the top 10 percent of respiratory therapists earned $89,170 while the bottom 10 percent earned $45,940. Based on BLS employment statistics released in 2020, the top paying industries for respiratory therapists are colleges and universities, outpatient care centers and residential care facilities.
For purposes of comparison, Salary.com reported in February 2022 that respiratory therapists with a master’s degree earned median salaries in the range of $64,407 and $68,210 per year. Respiratory therapists with a bachelor’s earned between $63,863 and $67,741, and those with an associate degree earned between $63,536 and $67,459 per year.
Regional Salary Variations
The average income for this profession varies with different regions. According to the BLS in 2020, the annual mean wage for a respiratory therapist was highest for those working in California, the District of Columbia and New York with salaries ranging from $70,840 to $87,190. In comparison, those working in states with a low cost-of-living index like Kentucky, Alabama and Mississippi averaged less than $52,000 per year.
Respiratory Therapist Education Requirements
While a minimum of an associate degree is required to become a respiratory therapist, candidates can improve their job prospects by earning a bachelor’s or master’s in respiratory therapy. Most employers also prefer candidates who posses valid certifications from an accredited program. The two main levels of certifications are the Registered Respiratory Therapist and Certified Respiratory Therapist offered by the National Board for Respiratory Care, a widely respected respiratory therapist organization.
Respiratory Therapist Growth Trend
Based on projections by the BLS, the number of employment opportunities for respiratory therapists is expected to grow by 23 percent between 2020 and 2030, which is much faster than the 8 percent national average for all occupations combined. An estimated 10,100 jobs will open up for respiratory therapists each year.
Advancements in preventive and corrective treatment methods are expected to increase the national demand for respiratory therapists. The accelerated growth rate also ties with the expected increase in the middle-aged and elderly population, which will lead to higher incidences of age-related respiratory conditions such as pneumonia, bronchitis and emphysema.
Respiratory Therapist Salary with Masters Degree
A respiratory therapist salary with masters degree can be quite lucrative, but it will take a lot of hard work. Respiratory therapy is a field that is growing rapidly, which means that there are many positions available for qualified candidates. When looking at the respiratory therapist salary with masters degree, it’s important to understand the difference between a “respiratory therapist” and a “certified respiratory therapist.” A certified respiratory therapist has completed an educational program that includes two years of intensive postgraduate education in addition to clinical training. The educational program includes classroom instruction as well as supervised clinical learning opportunities. While both types of respiratory therapists are able to provide care for patients in hospitals, nursing homes or other healthcare facilities, a certified respiratory therapist has more advanced skills and knowledge than an uncertified counterpart.
Respiratory therapists with a master’s degree are in high demand in the health care industry. These professionals have been shown to have higher salaries than those without advanced degrees, and they also have better opportunities for advancement.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics has released data showing that respiratory therapists with masters’ degrees earn an average of $1,000 more per week than their colleagues who only have bachelor’s degrees.
Respiratory therapists with master’s degrees also receive higher starting salaries. According to PayScale, respiratory therapists with master’s degrees earn an average of $50,000 per year at the time of graduation, while those without master’s degrees earn only $40,000 on average.
However, the benefits of earning a master’s degree do not stop there. Respiratory therapists who pursue further education can expect to see even greater rewards from their hard work and dedication. After all, not only will these individuals be able to command higher wages for their services, but they will also be able to advance into leadership roles within the field as well!
Conclusion
Salaries for respiratory therapists tend to be the highest in California. Potential employers in this state often offer excellent benefits packages that include healthcare and dental coverage, paid time off and bonus opportunities. The cost of living in California is also quite high and this should be factored into salary negotiations. While the overall range for respiratory therapist salary is mostly wide, it is common for almost all states to experience a growth in demand for these professionals as baby boomers continue to age and injuries from accidents continue to occur at high rates. The healthcare industry is consistently growing throughout the country, which will likely lead to higher salaries for those who are part of this field of work.
