Respiratory Therapists Jobs Pay in California, CA
Average Hourly Pay
Range: $51.34 - $56.47
Average Annual Pay
Range: $106,787 - $117,466
Methodology: These figures are estimated from limited publicly available salary data.
Average Hourly Pay
Range: $51.34 - $56.47
How much does a Respiratory Therapist make in California, CA?
The average annual salary for a respiratory therapist in California, CA is $112,127 per year. If you prefer to look at it hourly, that works out to about $53.91 per hour. This is roughly equivalent to $2,156 per week or $9,344 per month, depending on hours worked.
Salary range for respiratory therapists in California, CA
Respiratory Therapists salaries in California, CA can vary depending on experience, certifications, location within the state, and the type of work performed.
While some salaries can reach as high as $117,466, entry-level or lower-paid roles may start around $106,787 annually.
The difference between the lower and higher ends of the pay range for respiratory therapists in California, CA — about $16,819 between the 25th and 75th percentiles — suggests there may be opportunities for respiratory therapists to increase their earnings over time through additional training, certifications, and years of experience.
Top-paying cities for respiratory therapists around California, CA
While the average salary for a respiratory therapists in California, CA is $112,127 per year, some cities across the state offer higher earning potential.
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
Higher than respiratory therapists around California, CA
San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA
Higher than respiratory therapists around California, CA
Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA
Higher than respiratory therapists around California, CA
Redding, CA
Higher than respiratory therapists around California, CA
Modesto, CA
Higher than respiratory therapists around California, CA
Merced, CA
Higher than respiratory therapists around California, CA
Based on available salary data, 5 cities report average respiratory therapists salaries above the statewide average.
Leading the list is San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, followed by San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont and Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, which also rank among the top-paying locations for respiratory therapists in the state.
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara stands out with respiratory therapists earning around $35,555 more than the statewide average, or about 32% higher.
In San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont and Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, average salaries are about $15,736 higher than the California, CA average, representing roughly a 14% increase.
Because several cities offer salaries above the state average, respiratory therapists may find opportunities to increase their earnings by working in higher-paying areas within California, CA.
Factors such as local demand for skilled professionals, cost of living, and the type of work available can influence these differences.
Respiratory Therapists pay in California, CA by experience level
Salaries for respiratory therapists in California, CA often increase as professionals gain more experience, develop specialized skills, and take on greater responsibilities.
Entry-level respiratory therapists (0-2 years) typically earn lower salaries while gaining practical experience and learning the basics of the role. At this stage, pay usually averages around $106,787 – $95,308 per year, depending on the employer, industry, and location.
Mid-level respiratory therapists (3-6 years) often see higher earnings as they build expertise and may take on more complex tasks or independent work. Many professionals in this stage earn approximately $95,308 – $128,946 annually.
Experienced respiratory therapists (7+ years) generally earn the highest salaries. With advanced skills, leadership responsibilities, or specialized knowledge, pay can reach $128,946 – $117,466 per year.
Key factors that affect pay of respiratory therapists in California, CA
Several factors can influence how much respiratory therapists earn in California, CA, even when the average salary is around $112,127 per year.
Experience level is one of the biggest drivers of pay. Entry-level workers typically earn closer to $95,308, while experienced professionals can make $128,946+ annually.
Location within the region also plays a role. In higher-paying cities salaries can be higher than the regional average due to stronger demand and local economic conditions.
Industry and specialization can further impact earnings. Professionals working in specialized areas or large-scale projects often earn more than those in entry-level or general roles.
Together, these factors create a wide salary range for respiratory therapists in California, CA, giving experienced professionals opportunities to increase their earnings over time.
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