Respiratory Therapists Salary in Los Angeles, CA
BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA
Compare Respiratory Therapists salary & buying power
Type a city below to see how Los Angeles, CA stacks up on salary and cost of living.
In Los Angeles, CA, respiratory therapists earn a median annual salary of $101,250, which is significantly higher than the national median of $80,450 for this occupation. This places their earnings above the local area's median household income of $93,525, indicating that a typical respiratory therapist in Los Angeles earns more than most households within the region. The median hourly wage for these professionals stands at $48.68, further emphasizing their competitive earning potential relative to other occupations and local income standards.
Entry-level respiratory therapists in Los Angeles earn around $80,840 annually (10th percentile), while those with experience can reach salaries up to $126,850 annually (90th percentile). The difference between entry-level and experienced professionals is driven by factors such as years of service, specialization within the field, geographic location, and the demand for healthcare services. As respiratory therapists gain more expertise and possibly pursue further certifications or specializations, their earning potential increases, reflecting the higher value they bring to medical facilities in a high-demand metropolitan area like Los Angeles.
Salary percentile breakdown
Los Angeles economic context
Frequently asked questions
How much do Respiratory Therapists make per hour in Los Angeles?
The median hourly wage for Respiratory Therapists in Los Angeles, CA is $48.68, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $62.88 or more per hour.
Is Los Angeles above or below average for Respiratory Therapists salaries?
The median Respiratory Therapists salary in Los Angeles, CA is 25.9% above 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 Los Angeles?
Entry-level Respiratory Therapists (10th percentile) earn around $80,840 per year in Los Angeles, CA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $94,220.