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Respiratory Therapist Salary in West Des Moines, IA

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

Median Salary
$61,433
per year in West Des Moines
Entry Level
$40,654
Starting salary
Senior Level
$84,019
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
96
4% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how respiratory therapist salaries break down across different pay periods in West Des Moines.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$40,654$61,433$84,019
Monthly$3,388$5,119$7,002
Biweekly$1,564$2,363$3,232
Weekly$782$1,181$1,616
Hourly$20$30$40

West Des Moines vs National Average

How West Des Moines's respiratory therapist salaries compare to national figures.

West Des Moines Salary
$61,433
COL Index: 96
National Average
$78,040
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$16,607
Lower in West Des Moines

Cost of Living in West Des Moines

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,000
per month
Median Income
$72,821
per year
Population
68,720
residents
Rent % of Income
16.5%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 96 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in West Des Moines 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
+71%
Los Angeles, CA
$101,250
+65%
Chicago, IL
$82,900
+35%
Houston, TX
$77,680
+26%
Phoenix, AZ
$80,750
+31%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Respiratory Therapist Salary in West Des Moines, IA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a respiratory therapist in West Des Moines, IA is $61,433 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 96. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering West Des Moines's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level respiratory therapist professionals in West Des Moines can expect to earn around $40,654 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level respiratory therapists earning approximately $84,019 per year. This represents a 107% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

West Des Moines's cost of living index of 96 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in West Des Moines 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 West Des Moines typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,000 per month, housing represents about 19.5% 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 West Des Moines, 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.