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Respiratory Therapist Salary in Washington, DC

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

Median Salary
$96,620
per year in Washington
Entry Level
$63,940
Starting salary
Senior Level
$132,142
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
158
58% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$63,940$96,620$132,142
Monthly$5,328$8,052$11,012
Biweekly$2,459$3,716$5,082
Weekly$1,230$1,858$2,541
Hourly$31$46$64

Washington vs National Average

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

Washington Salary
$96,620
COL Index: 158
National Average
$78,040
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$18,580
Higher in Washington

Cost of Living in Washington

1-Bedroom Rent
$2,200
per month
Median Income
$90,842
per year
Population
689,545
residents
Rent % of Income
29.1%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 158 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Washington 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
+9%
Los Angeles, CA
$101,250
+5%
Chicago, IL
$82,900
-14%
Houston, TX
$77,680
-20%
Phoenix, AZ
$80,750
-16%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Respiratory Therapist Salary in Washington, DC — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a respiratory therapist in Washington, DC is $96,620 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 158. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Washington's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level respiratory therapist professionals in Washington can expect to earn around $63,940 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level respiratory therapists earning approximately $132,142 per year. This represents a 107% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Washington's cost of living index of 158 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Washington 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 Washington typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $2,200 per month, housing represents about 27.3% 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 Washington, 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.