This question is about respiratory therapist jobs and respiratory therapist salaries.

How much does a respiratory therapist start out making?

By Zippia Team - Dec. 17, 2021

A respiratory therapist starts out making $58,000 a year. Respiratory therapists can expect to make anywhere between $50,000-$60,000 a year, depending on the state in which they are practicing.

The salary will vary significantly depending on how rural or metropolitan the state is, with cities in California paying as much as $70,000 for an entry-level respiratory therapist.

Starting as a respiratory therapist, you shouldn't expect to be making a large amount of money because, at this point, you are likely working mainly for the experience.

A respiratory therapist can boost their income by a significant margin by becoming registered, which requires you to accrue a certain amount of experience within the field, along with passing a certification exam.

A registered respiratory therapist in California will make closer to $80,000 a year, $10,000 more than someone who is entry-level.

How much does a respiratory therapist start out making?

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