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Respiratory Therapist Salary in Cedar Rapids, IA

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

Median Salary
$56,954
per year in Cedar Rapids
Entry Level
$37,690
Starting salary
Senior Level
$77,892
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
89
11% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$37,690$56,954$77,892
Monthly$3,141$4,746$6,491
Biweekly$1,450$2,191$2,996
Weekly$725$1,095$1,498
Hourly$18$27$37

Cedar Rapids vs National Average

How Cedar Rapids's respiratory therapist salaries compare to national figures.

Cedar Rapids Salary
$56,954
COL Index: 89
National Average
$78,040
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$21,086
Lower in Cedar Rapids

Cost of Living in Cedar Rapids

1-Bedroom Rent
$850
per month
Median Income
$54,680
per year
Population
137,710
residents
Rent % of Income
18.7%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 89 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Cedar Rapids 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
+84%
Los Angeles, CA
$101,250
+78%
Chicago, IL
$82,900
+46%
Houston, TX
$77,680
+36%
Phoenix, AZ
$80,750
+42%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Respiratory Therapist Salary in Cedar Rapids, IA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a respiratory therapist in Cedar Rapids, IA is $56,954 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 89. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Cedar Rapids's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level respiratory therapist professionals in Cedar Rapids can expect to earn around $37,690 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level respiratory therapists earning approximately $77,892 per year. This represents a 107% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Cedar Rapids's cost of living index of 89 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Cedar Rapids 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 Cedar Rapids typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $850 per month, housing represents about 17.9% 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 Cedar Rapids, 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.