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Respiratory Therapists Salary in California
Ranked #2 of 51 · CA
Salary Distribution (10th–90th percentile)
About 80% of respiratory therapistss in California earn between $77,010 and $145,510. The blue band is the middle 50% (P25–P75); the dot marks the median.
Compared to the U.S.
The mean respiratory therapists salary in California is $109,440, about 25.4% above the U.S. average ($87,300). That works out to roughly $53/hr at 2,080 hours per year.
Metro Areas in California
| Metro area | Median | Mean | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $149,680 | $146,490 | 1,060 |
| Vallejo, CA | $136,200 | $133,510 | 190 |
| Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA | $134,880 | $133,510 | 70 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | $134,430 | $124,410 | 1,140 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA | $130,220 | $128,490 | 2,010 |
| Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA | $123,220 | $120,450 | 200 |
| San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA | $112,430 | $108,020 | 90 |
| Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA | $108,600 | $109,100 | 130 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do respiratory therapists make in California?
The median respiratory therapists salary in California is $104,820 per year (mean $109,440), and about 80% earn between $77,010 and $145,510.
How much do respiratory therapists make per hour in California?
Roughly $53 per hour, based on a mean annual wage of $109,440 and 2,080 work hours per year.
Is California a high-paying state for respiratory therapists?
California ranks #2 of 51 states for respiratory therapists pay. Its mean salary of $109,440 is about 25.4% above the U.S. average of $87,300.
Which metro areas in California pay respiratory therapists the most?
The highest-paying metro areas in California for respiratory therapists are San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($149,680), Vallejo, CA ($136,200), Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA ($134,880), by median annual wage.