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Respiratory Therapist Salary in Wausau, WI

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

Median Salary
$58,998
per year in Wausau
Entry Level
$39,043
Starting salary
Senior Level
$80,689
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
84
16% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$39,043$58,998$80,689
Monthly$3,254$4,917$6,724
Biweekly$1,502$2,269$3,103
Weekly$751$1,135$1,552
Hourly$19$28$39

Wausau vs National Average

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

Wausau Salary
$58,998
COL Index: 84
National Average
$78,040
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$19,042
Lower in Wausau

Cost of Living in Wausau

1-Bedroom Rent
$720
per month
Median Income
$46,821
per year
Population
39,910
residents
Rent % of Income
18.5%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 84 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Wausau 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
+78%
Los Angeles, CA
$101,250
+72%
Chicago, IL
$82,900
+41%
Houston, TX
$77,680
+32%
Phoenix, AZ
$80,750
+37%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Respiratory Therapist Salary in Wausau, WI — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a respiratory therapist in Wausau, WI is $58,998 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 84. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Wausau's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level respiratory therapist professionals in Wausau can expect to earn around $39,043 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level respiratory therapists earning approximately $80,689 per year. This represents a 107% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Wausau's cost of living index of 84 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Wausau 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 Wausau typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $720 per month, housing represents about 14.6% 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 Wausau, 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.