California ranks 3rd of 51 states and D.C. for respiratory therapists pay, trailing top-paying District of Columbia ($104,240) by $2,120 — a 2% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $78,150 to $138,000 — a $59,850 spread, 28% wider than the national $46,920 range.
California employs roughly 13.4% of all respiratory therapists in the country (18,310 workers).
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $78,150 | $37.57 |
| 25th percentile | $90,740 | $43.62 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $102,120 | $49.10 |
| 75th percentile | $125,770 | $60.46 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $138,000 | $66.35 |
| Mean (average) | $106,790 | $51.34 |
How California Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. California |
|---|---|---|
| California (current) | $102,120 | n/a |
| District of Columbia | $104,240 | +2% |
| New York | $103,820 | +2% |
| New Jersey | $98,020 | -4% |
| Washington | $97,150 | -5% |
| Massachusetts | $96,940 | -5% |
| Oregon | $96,130 | -6% |
| Hawaii | $94,670 | -7% |
| Alaska | $94,210 | -8% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in California
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Management Analysts | $102,110 | 136,200 |
| Special Education Teachers, Secondary School | $101,250 | 12,190 |
| Construction and Building Inspectors | $101,160 | 14,010 |
| Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary | $103,500 | 9,030 |
| Surveyors | $103,790 | 3,750 |
| Technical Writers | $100,440 | 13,210 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Respiratory Therapists salary in California?
The mean respiratory therapists salary in California is $106,790 per year. The median (middle) salary is $102,120 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Respiratory Therapists in California?
Entry-level respiratory therapistss (10th percentile) in California typically earn around $78,150 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $90,740 per year.
What is the highest Respiratory Therapists salary in California?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in California make approximately $138,000 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $125,770 per year.
How does the California Respiratory Therapists salary compare to the national average?
The median respiratory therapists salary in California is $102,120, which is +27% above national average of $80,450.