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Respiratory Therapist Salary in Oakland, CA

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

Median Salary
$153,832
per year in Oakland
Entry Level
$101,801
Starting salary
Senior Level
$210,388
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
154
54% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$101,801$153,832$210,388
Monthly$8,483$12,819$17,532
Biweekly$3,915$5,917$8,092
Weekly$1,958$2,958$4,046
Hourly$49$74$101

Oakland vs National Average

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

Oakland Salary
$153,832
COL Index: 154
National Average
$78,040
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$75,792
Higher in Oakland

Cost of Living in Oakland

1-Bedroom Rent
$2,150
per month
Median Income
$67,234
per year
Population
433,656
residents
Rent % of Income
38.4%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 154 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Oakland 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
-32%
Los Angeles, CA
$101,250
-34%
Chicago, IL
$82,900
-46%
Houston, TX
$77,680
-50%
Phoenix, AZ
$80,750
-48%

Financial Tools to Explore

Use these Pulsafi calculators to understand your finances based on a respiratory therapist salary in Oakland.

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Respiratory Therapist Salary in Oakland, CA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a respiratory therapist in Oakland, CA is $153,832 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 154. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Oakland's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level respiratory therapist professionals in Oakland can expect to earn around $101,801 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level respiratory therapists earning approximately $210,388 per year. This represents a 107% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Oakland's cost of living index of 154 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Oakland 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 Oakland typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $2,150 per month, housing represents about 16.8% 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 Oakland, 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.