Respiratory Therapists Salary in Houston, TX

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX

Median annual salary $77,680 -3.4% vs national
Median hourly $37.35
10th percentile $55,120
90th percentile $96,570
Employed locally 3,380
National median $80,450

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Respiratory Therapists
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    In Houston, TX, respiratory therapists earn a median annual salary of $77,680, with an average hourly wage of $37.35. This figure is slightly below the national median for this occupation, which stands at $80,450. When compared to the local household income in Houston, the median earnings for respiratory therapists are somewhat lower than the area's median household income of $80,458. This indicates that while these professionals earn a competitive wage within their field, their earnings are not substantially above or below the typical income earned by households in the region.

    The salary spectrum for respiratory therapists in Houston varies significantly based on experience and skill level. Entry-level positions tend to align with the 10th percentile at $55,120 annually, while those at the 25th percentile earn around $64,640. Conversely, individuals who are more experienced or hold senior roles may see their earnings reach up to the 75th percentile of approximately $89,800, and some can even surpass this at the 90th percentile with salaries nearing $96,570 annually. The disparity in pay between entry-level and seasoned professionals is driven by factors such as years of experience, specialized certifications, advanced education levels, and the ability to manage more complex clinical cases or administrative responsibilities within healthcare settings.

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $55,120
    25th
    $64,640
    50th (median)
    $77,680
    75th
    $89,800
    90th
    $96,570

    Houston economic context

    Unemployment rate 4.40% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $80,458 2023 • Census ACS
    Respiratory Therapists salary vs area income 97% Median Respiratory Therapists salary is 3% below the area median household income

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Respiratory Therapists make per hour in Houston?

    The median hourly wage for Respiratory Therapists in Houston, TX is $37.35, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $47.93 or more per hour.

    Is Houston above or below average for Respiratory Therapists salaries?

    The median Respiratory Therapists salary in Houston, TX is 3.4% below the national median of $80,450. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Respiratory Therapists in Houston?

    Entry-level Respiratory Therapists (10th percentile) earn around $55,120 per year in Houston, TX. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $64,640.