Respiratory Therapists Salary in California
Respiratory Therapists in California earn a median of $104,820 a year, +27% compared with the U.S. median.
Updated October 2026 · Data: BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
- Median pay
- $104,820
- vs. U.S. median
- +27% ($82,280)
- Rank among states
- 3 of 51
- Jobs in the state
- 18,650
Pay range in California
The lowest-paid 10% earn under $77,010; the top 10% earn over $145,510. Nationally the range is $63,660 to $118,050.
States ranked near California
Similar jobs in California
- Nurse Anesthetists$292,410 median in California
- Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians$78,170 median in California
- Nuclear Medicine Technologists$162,380 median in California
- Radiation Therapists$166,450 median in California
- Anesthesiologist Assistants$165,650 median in California (broader BLS group)
- Diagnostic Medical Sonographers$128,530 median in California
Respiratory Therapists pay in California
How much do respiratory therapists make in California?
The median is $104,820 a year. The lowest-paid 10% earn under $77,010 and the top 10% earn over $145,510. BLS OEWS May 2025.
Is California a good state for respiratory therapists?
On pay alone it ranks 3 of 51 (+27% vs. the national median of $82,280). Living costs are not included.