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Respiratory Therapists Salary in California
Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:
How much do Respiratory Therapists make in California?
Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
$104,820
Median Annual Salary
▲
+2.6% vs 2024
$109,440
Mean Salary
$104,820
Median Salary
$50.39
Hourly Rate
18,650 people work as Respiratory Therapists in California
Respiratory Therapists salary by percentile in California
BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).
Respiratory Therapists in California earn a median salary of $104,820 per year ($8,735/month).
This is 25.0% above the national average of $83,882.
California ranks #3 out of 51 states for Respiratory Therapists pay.
Approximately 18,650 people work in this occupation across California.
Salaries increased by 2.6% compared to 2024.
About This Job: Respiratory Therapists
Assess, treat, and care for patients with breathing disorders. Assume primary responsibility for all respiratory care modalities, including the supervision of respiratory therapy technicians. Initiate and conduct therapeutic procedures; maintain patient records; and select, assemble, check, and operate equipment.
Top Skills
Active Listening
3.88
Critical Thinking
3.88
Monitoring
3.88
Speaking
3.75
Reading Comprehension
3.62
Key Knowledge Areas
Customer and Personal Service
4.33
Medicine and Dentistry
4.29
English Language
3.9
Education and Training
3.71
Psychology
3.42
Typical Education: Associate's Degree
(82.8% of workers)
Salary Range: Respiratory Therapists in California
Salaries for Respiratory Therapists in California range from $77,010 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $145,510 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $87,750 and $129,010.
How much do Respiratory Therapists make in California?
The median annual salary for Respiratory Therapists in California is $104,820 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $109,440.
What is the salary range for a Respiratory Therapists in California?
Salaries for Respiratory Therapists in California range from $77,010 at the 10th percentile to $145,510 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $87,750 and $129,010.
What is the starting salary for a Respiratory Therapists in California?
Entry-level Respiratory Therapists positions in California typically start around $77,010 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $87,750 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Respiratory Therapists in California?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 18,650 people are employed as Respiratory Therapists in California.
What is the hourly rate for a Respiratory Therapists in California?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Respiratory Therapists in California is approximately $50.39 per hour.
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.
Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.
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