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Respiratory Therapist Salary in Atlanta, GA

How much does a respiratory therapist make in Atlanta? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Atlanta's cost of living.

Median Salary
$88,870
per year in Atlanta
Entry Level
$58,811
Starting salary
Senior Level
$121,543
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
111
11% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how respiratory therapist salaries break down across different pay periods in Atlanta.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$58,811$88,870$121,543
Monthly$4,901$7,406$10,129
Biweekly$2,262$3,418$4,675
Weekly$1,131$1,709$2,337
Hourly$28$43$58

Atlanta vs National Average

How Atlanta's respiratory therapist salaries compare to national figures.

Atlanta Salary
$88,870
COL Index: 111
National Average
$78,040
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$10,830
Higher in Atlanta

Cost of Living in Atlanta

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,600
per month
Median Income
$62,348
per year
Population
498,044
residents
Rent % of Income
30.8%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 111 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Atlanta have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About Respiratory Therapist

Overview

Treat patients with respiratory conditions and operate breathing equipment.

Education

Associate's degree in Respiratory Therapy; licensure required

Key Skills

Respiratory CarePatient AssessmentEquipment ManagementClinical Skills

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +15% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Respiratory Therapist Salary

See Respiratory Therapist salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$104,840
+18%
Los Angeles, CA
$101,250
+14%
Chicago, IL
$82,900
-7%
Houston, TX
$77,680
-13%
Phoenix, AZ
$80,750
-9%

Financial Tools to Explore

Use these Pulsafi calculators to understand your finances based on a respiratory therapist salary in Atlanta.

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Respiratory Therapist Salary in Atlanta, GA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a respiratory therapist in Atlanta, GA is $88,870 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 111. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Atlanta's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level respiratory therapist professionals in Atlanta can expect to earn around $58,811 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level respiratory therapists earning approximately $121,543 per year. This represents a 107% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Atlanta's cost of living index of 111 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Atlanta are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $78,040, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a respiratory therapist's salary in Atlanta typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,600 per month, housing represents about 21.6% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Respiratory Therapists are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 15% over the next decade. In Atlanta, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Source: BLS OEWS May 2024Metro-level wage data for this occupation and area
Data source: Salary data on this page are sourced from Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program May 2024 estimates. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.