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Respiratory Therapist Salary in Helena, MT

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

Median Salary
$65,772
per year in Helena
Entry Level
$43,526
Starting salary
Senior Level
$89,953
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
98
2% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$43,526$65,772$89,953
Monthly$3,627$5,481$7,496
Biweekly$1,674$2,530$3,460
Weekly$837$1,265$1,730
Hourly$21$32$43

Helena vs National Average

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

Helena Salary
$65,772
COL Index: 98
National Average
$78,040
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$12,268
Lower in Helena

Cost of Living in Helena

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,050
per month
Median Income
$54,620
per year
Population
33,124
residents
Rent % of Income
23.1%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 98 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Helena 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
+59%
Los Angeles, CA
$101,250
+54%
Chicago, IL
$82,900
+26%
Houston, TX
$77,680
+18%
Phoenix, AZ
$80,750
+23%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Respiratory Therapist Salary in Helena, MT — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a respiratory therapist in Helena, MT is $65,772 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 98. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Helena's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level respiratory therapist professionals in Helena can expect to earn around $43,526 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level respiratory therapists earning approximately $89,953 per year. This represents a 107% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Helena's cost of living index of 98 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Helena 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 Helena typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,050 per month, housing represents about 19.2% 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 Helena, 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.