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Respiratory Therapist Salary in Clayton, MO

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

Median Salary
$78,274
per year in Clayton
Entry Level
$51,799
Starting salary
Senior Level
$107,051
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
118
18% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$51,799$78,274$107,051
Monthly$4,317$6,523$8,921
Biweekly$1,992$3,011$4,117
Weekly$996$1,505$2,059
Hourly$25$38$51

Clayton vs National Average

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

Clayton Salary
$78,274
COL Index: 118
National Average
$78,040
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$234
Higher in Clayton

Cost of Living in Clayton

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,450
per month
Median Income
$92,234
per year
Population
16,660
residents
Rent % of Income
18.9%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 118 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Clayton 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
+34%
Los Angeles, CA
$101,250
+29%
Chicago, IL
$82,900
+6%
Houston, TX
$77,680
-1%
Phoenix, AZ
$80,750
+3%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Respiratory Therapist Salary in Clayton, MO — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a respiratory therapist in Clayton, MO is $78,274 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 118. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Clayton's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level respiratory therapist professionals in Clayton can expect to earn around $51,799 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level respiratory therapists earning approximately $107,051 per year. This represents a 107% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Clayton's cost of living index of 118 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Clayton 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 Clayton typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,450 per month, housing represents about 22.2% 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 Clayton, 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.