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Respiratory Therapy Salary in Washington: Is It a Good Career?

Washington · 2026 BLS salary data

Respiratory Therapy pay in Washington

The median wage is $101,130/yr — 23% above the national median. Among U.S. states, Washingtonranks #5 of 51 states by median pay.

The numbers in Washington

Real BLS state-level figures for Respiratory Therapy.

Median salary
$101,130/yr
Pay range (25th–75th)
$84,870 – $106,150
National median
$82,280/yr
Employed in Washington
1,860

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

What that pay is really worth in Washington

Salary alone can mislead — Washington costs 7% more than the U.S. average. Here's the median adjusted for local prices (real purchasing power).

Cost of living (US=100)
107
Nominal median
$101,130
Adjusted for cost of living
≈ $94,514
State income tax
None

Washington's high pay is offset by cost of living — adjusted for prices it ranks #8 of 51, down from #5 on raw salary.

Washington 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 Washington?

The median annual wage is $101,130 (BLS OEWS, state estimates), with the middle 50% earning between $84,870 and $106,150. That's 23% above the national median.

Is Washington a good state for respiratory therapy?

By raw pay, Washington ranks #5 of 51 states by median pay. Adjusted for cost of living (Washington costs 7% more than the U.S. average), that median is worth about $94,514. Washington's high pay is offset by cost of living — adjusted for prices it ranks #8 of 51, down from #5 on raw salary. And with no state income tax, more of that pay stays in your pocket.

Are respiratory therapy professionals in demand in Washington?

About 1,860 people work in this field in Washington (BLS OEWS). Nationally, BLS projects +12.1% employment growth for this field from 2024 to 2034.

The verdict, pros, and cons below apply to Respiratory Therapy nationally — Washington pay is 23% 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.