Respiratory Therapy Salary in New Hampshire: Is It a Good Career?
New Hampshire · 2026 BLS salary data
Respiratory Therapy pay in New Hampshire
The median wage is $95,940/yr — 17% above the national median. Among U.S. states, New Hampshireranks #10 of 51 states by median pay.
The numbers in New Hampshire
Real BLS state-level figures for Respiratory Therapy.
- Median salary
- $95,940/yr
- Pay range (25th–75th)
- $84,300 – $101,180
- National median
- $82,280/yr
- Employed in New Hampshire
- 360
Source: BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics (OEWS), state estimates, May 2025 release.
What that pay is really worth in New Hampshire
Salary alone can mislead — New Hampshire costs 4% more than the U.S. average. Here's the median adjusted for local prices (real purchasing power).
- Cost of living (US=100)
- 104.2
- Nominal median
- $95,940
- Adjusted for cost of living
- ≈ $92,073
- State income tax
- None
New Hampshire levies no state income tax, so more of that pay stays in your pocket than in high-tax states.
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.
FAQ
How much do respiratory therapy professionals make in New Hampshire?
The median annual wage is $95,940 (BLS OEWS, state estimates), with the middle 50% earning between $84,300 and $101,180. That's 17% above the national median.
Is New Hampshire a good state for respiratory therapy?
By raw pay, New Hampshire ranks #10 of 51 states by median pay. Adjusted for cost of living (New Hampshire costs 4% more than the U.S. average), that median is worth about $92,073. And with no state income tax, more of that pay stays in your pocket.
Are respiratory therapy professionals in demand in New Hampshire?
About 360 people work in this field in New Hampshire (BLS OEWS). Nationally, BLS projects +12.1% employment growth for this field from 2024 to 2034.
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.
- Worth it If you want good pay from a two-year degree with strong growth
- Worth it If you can handle critical-care intensity and shift work
- Not worth it If you want low-stress or 9-to-5 hours
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.
- “Hi interesting in becoming a respiratory therapist is it ...”r/respiratorytherapymixed
- “Is respiratory therapy a good career?”r/respiratorytherapyquestioning
- “Is respiratory a good career for me ?”r/respiratorytherapymixed
- “Things I Wish I Knew Before I Became A Respiratory ...”r/respiratorytherapymixed
- “respiratory therapists are underrated!! (RANT)”r/respiratorytherapymixed
- “Is becoming an RT worth it?”r/respiratorytherapyquestioning
- “Is it worth becoming a respiratory therapist?”r/respiratorytherapyquestioning