isworthit

Is Respiratory Therapy a Good Career in Maryland?

Maryland · 2026 BLS salary data

Respiratory Therapy pay in Maryland

The median wage is $88,960/yr — 8% above the national median. Among U.S. states, Marylandranks #13 of 51 states by median pay.

The numbers in Maryland

Real BLS state-level figures for Respiratory Therapy.

Median salary
$88,960/yr
Pay range (25th–75th)
$82,920 – $101,340
National median
$82,280/yr
Employed in Maryland
1,800

Source: BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics (OEWS), state estimates, May 2025 release.

What that pay is really worth in Maryland

Salary alone can mislead — Maryland costs 5% more than the U.S. average. Here's the median adjusted for local prices (real purchasing power).

Cost of living (US=100)
105
Nominal median
$88,960
Adjusted for cost of living
≈ $84,724
State income tax
Up to 5.75%

Maryland's high pay is offset by cost of living — adjusted for prices it ranks #32 of 51, down from #13 on raw salary.

Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities (all items, US=100), 2024. Adjusted pay = nominal median ÷ (RPP/100) — purchasing power vs the U.S. average. State income tax = top marginal rate on wage income (Tax Foundation, 2025); your effective rate is lower and depends on income and deductions; some localities also levy income tax.

The verdict, pros, and cons below apply to Respiratory Therapy nationally — Maryland pay is 8% above the national median. See the full Respiratory Therapy career guide →

The verdict

Yes — respiratory therapy pairs solid pay from an associate degree with much-faster-than-average growth driven by an aging population. Expect hospital shift work and high-stakes, critical-care moments.

Pros & cons

Pros

  • Solid pay from a two-year associate degree
  • Much-faster-than-average projected growth
  • Essential, recession-resistant role
  • Meaningful critical-care work
  • Clear licensure pathway

Cons

  • Hospital shift work (nights, weekends)
  • High-stakes, sometimes stressful situations
  • Exposure to illness
  • Physically active days

Who it's for

✓ A good fit if…

  • People wanting strong pay-per-education in health care
  • Those who thrive in fast-paced clinical settings
  • Anyone drawn to critical-care work

✗ Probably not if…

  • People who want low-stress, predictable hours
  • Those uncomfortable with acute-care intensity

What people are actually asking

Real Reddit discussions on whether Respiratory Therapy is worth it — titles link to the original threads.