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Respiratory Therapist Salary in Birmingham, AL

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

Median Salary
$65,130
per year in Birmingham
Entry Level
$43,101
Starting salary
Senior Level
$89,075
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
93
7% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$43,101$65,130$89,075
Monthly$3,592$5,428$7,423
Biweekly$1,658$2,505$3,426
Weekly$829$1,253$1,713
Hourly$21$31$43

Birmingham vs National Average

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

Birmingham Salary
$65,130
COL Index: 93
National Average
$78,040
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$12,910
Lower in Birmingham

Cost of Living in Birmingham

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,150
per month
Median Income
$49,234
per year
Population
214,237
residents
Rent % of Income
28.0%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 93 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Birmingham 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
+61%
Los Angeles, CA
$101,250
+55%
Chicago, IL
$82,900
+27%
Houston, TX
$77,680
+19%
Phoenix, AZ
$80,750
+24%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Respiratory Therapist Salary in Birmingham, AL — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a respiratory therapist in Birmingham, AL is $65,130 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 93. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Birmingham's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level respiratory therapist professionals in Birmingham can expect to earn around $43,101 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level respiratory therapists earning approximately $89,075 per year. This represents a 107% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Birmingham's cost of living index of 93 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Birmingham 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 Birmingham typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,150 per month, housing represents about 21.2% 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 Birmingham, 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.