📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Respiratory Therapists Salary in California (2026)

California · 42.0% above national average · Medium Demand

Average
$109,454
per year
Median
$105,847
per year
Hourly
$52.62
per hour
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
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Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$79,405
25th Percentile — Junior$93,486
50th Percentile — Median$105,847
75th Percentile — Senior$125,167
90th Percentile — Top Earners$134,585
💡 Top-earning Respiratory Therapistss in California make up to $134,585 per year. The job market in California is rated very strong, with key industries including Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture.
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Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$89.1k
2021
$92.8k
2022
$96.7k
2023
$100.8k
2024
$105.0k
2025
$109.5k
2026
📈 Respiratory Therapists salaries in California have followed the national trend with 4.2% annual growth. The strong presence in California's job market supports continued salary increases.
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Respiratory Therapists Salary by City in California
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Los Angeles $169,654 +55.0% Medium
San Diego $161,992 +48.0% Medium
San Jose $188,261 +72.0% Medium
San Francisco $202,490 +85.0% Medium
Fresno $118,210 +8.0% Medium
Sacramento $133,534 +22.0% Medium
Long Beach $158,708 +45.0% Medium
Bakersfield $118,210 +8.0% Medium
Anaheim $155,425 +42.0% Medium
Santa Ana $153,236 +40.0% Medium
Riverside $140,101 +28.0% Medium
Stockton $129,156 +18.0% Medium
Irvine $169,654 +55.0% Medium
San Bernardino $129,156 +18.0% Medium
Modesto $122,588 +12.0% Medium
Fontana $133,534 +22.0% Medium
Moreno Valley $125,872 +15.0% Medium
Glendale $161,992 +48.0% Medium
Fremont $175,126 +60.0% Medium
🔍
Respiratory Therapists Job Market in California
Key factors affecting compensation

California is home to a very strong job market for Respiratory Therapistss. The state's key industries — Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $109,454 per year, California's Respiratory Therapists salaries are 42.0% higher than the national average.

The cost of living in California (index: 1.42) justifies the higher pay scale. Entry-level professionals in California can expect to earn $79,405–$93,486, while experienced Respiratory Therapistss can command $125,167–$134,585.

Looking ahead, the Respiratory Therapists profession in California is projected to grow at 4.2% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Technology continues to drive new opportunities for qualified candidates.

🏛️ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
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Compare with Similar Jobs
Related career salary benchmarks
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Respiratory Therapists salary in California is $109,454 per year in 2026, which is 42.0% above the national average of $77,080.
  • San Francisco and San Jose typically pay Respiratory Therapistss the highest wages in California due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • California has a very strong job market with major industries in Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture. This makes it one of the better states for Respiratory Therapists employment.
  • At $109,454/year, California Respiratory Therapists salaries are 42.0% higher than the national average of $77,080/year.