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Respiratory Therapist Salary in Boulder, CO

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

Median Salary
$115,421
per year in Boulder
Entry Level
$76,381
Starting salary
Senior Level
$157,855
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
145
45% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$76,381$115,421$157,855
Monthly$6,365$9,618$13,155
Biweekly$2,938$4,439$6,071
Weekly$1,469$2,220$3,036
Hourly$37$55$76

Boulder vs National Average

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

Boulder Salary
$115,421
COL Index: 145
National Average
$78,040
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$37,381
Higher in Boulder

Cost of Living in Boulder

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,800
per month
Median Income
$72,340
per year
Population
105,673
residents
Rent % of Income
29.9%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 145 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Boulder 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
-9%
Los Angeles, CA
$101,250
-12%
Chicago, IL
$82,900
-28%
Houston, TX
$77,680
-33%
Phoenix, AZ
$80,750
-30%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Respiratory Therapist Salary in Boulder, CO — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a respiratory therapist in Boulder, CO is $115,421 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 145. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Boulder's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level respiratory therapist professionals in Boulder can expect to earn around $76,381 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level respiratory therapists earning approximately $157,855 per year. This represents a 107% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Boulder's cost of living index of 145 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Boulder 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 Boulder typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,800 per month, housing represents about 18.7% 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 Boulder, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Data source: Salary estimates on this page are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, adjusted for regional cost of living differences. 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.