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Respiratory Therapist Salary in Brookings, SD

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

Median Salary
$56,314
per year in Brookings
Entry Level
$37,266
Starting salary
Senior Level
$77,017
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
88
12% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$37,266$56,314$77,017
Monthly$3,106$4,693$6,418
Biweekly$1,433$2,166$2,962
Weekly$717$1,083$1,481
Hourly$18$27$37

Brookings vs National Average

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

Brookings Salary
$56,314
COL Index: 88
National Average
$78,040
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$21,726
Lower in Brookings

Cost of Living in Brookings

1-Bedroom Rent
$780
per month
Median Income
$38,234
per year
Population
24,930
residents
Rent % of Income
24.5%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 88 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Brookings 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
+86%
Los Angeles, CA
$101,250
+80%
Chicago, IL
$82,900
+47%
Houston, TX
$77,680
+38%
Phoenix, AZ
$80,750
+43%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Respiratory Therapist Salary in Brookings, SD — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a respiratory therapist in Brookings, SD is $56,314 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 88. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Brookings's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level respiratory therapist professionals in Brookings can expect to earn around $37,266 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level respiratory therapists earning approximately $77,017 per year. This represents a 107% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Brookings's cost of living index of 88 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Brookings 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 Brookings typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $780 per month, housing represents about 16.6% 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 Brookings, 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.