Home / City Job Salaries / Respiratory Therapist in Portland

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Portland, OR

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

Median Salary
$99,780
per year in Portland
Entry Level
$66,031
Starting salary
Senior Level
$136,464
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
132
32% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$66,031$99,780$136,464
Monthly$5,503$8,315$11,372
Biweekly$2,540$3,838$5,249
Weekly$1,270$1,919$2,624
Hourly$32$48$66

Portland vs National Average

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

Portland Salary
$99,780
COL Index: 132
National Average
$78,040
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$21,740
Higher in Portland

Cost of Living in Portland

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,900
per month
Median Income
$66,789
per year
Population
652,503
residents
Rent % of Income
34.1%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 132 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Portland 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
+5%
Los Angeles, CA
$101,250
+1%
Chicago, IL
$82,900
-17%
Houston, TX
$77,680
-22%
Phoenix, AZ
$80,750
-19%

Financial Tools to Explore

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

Salary Breakdown Calculator

See exactly how your salary breaks down into taxes and take-home pay.

Cost of Living Calculator

Understand your expenses and purchasing power in Portland.

Budget Calculator

Create a personalized budget based on your income and expenses.

Rent vs Buy Calculator

Compare the true costs of renting versus buying in Portland.

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Portland, OR — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a respiratory therapist in Portland, OR is $99,780 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 132. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Portland's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level respiratory therapist professionals in Portland can expect to earn around $66,031 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level respiratory therapists earning approximately $136,464 per year. This represents a 107% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Portland's cost of living index of 132 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Portland 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 Portland typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,900 per month, housing represents about 22.9% 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 Portland, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Source: BLS OEWS May 2024Metro-level wage data for this occupation and area
Data source: Salary data on this page are sourced from Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program May 2024 estimates. 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.