Florida · BLS SOC 29-1126

Respiratory Therapist salary in Florida

Q: What is the average respiratory therapist salary in Florida?

The median respiratory therapist salary in Florida is $73,280 per year (BLS OEWS, May 2024). The bottom 10% earn around $50,910; the top 10% earn $89,260 or more. About 9,185 people work in this role across the state.

Q: How does Florida respiratory therapist pay compare to the national average?

Florida's median of $73,280 is $4,680 below the U.S. national median of $77,960. After adjusting for Florida's cost of living (Regional Price Parity 99.8), the real-purchasing-power equivalent is $73,427.

Median $73,280 · Top 10% earn $89,260+ · Roughly 9,185 workers in Florida. Source: BLS OEWS, May 2024.

Florida median: $73,280; $35.23/hr
Top 10%: $89,260; 90th percentile
Bottom 10%: $50,910; Entry-level range
Real pay: $73,427; CoL-adjusted (RPP 99.8)

Florida pays modestly below the U.S. median for respiratory therapists — $73,280 versus the national median of $77,960. Real purchasing power tracks roughly the U.S. average. The state employs roughly 9,185 respiratory therapists.

What drives respiratory therapist pay in Florida

Florida's aging population drives strong RT demand, particularly in pulmonary rehab and home-care RT. Major employers: AdventHealth, BayCare, Memorial Healthcare. Pulmonary rehab roles offer Monday-Friday daytime schedules.

Florida ranks #31 of 50 states

Where Florida sits in the national distribution for respiratory therapist pay, and the closest comparable states above and below.

Rank	State	Median	vs. Florida
#30	Wyoming	$74,060	+$780
#29	North Dakota	$74,060	+$780
#28	Montana	$74,060	+$780
#31	Florida (this page)	$73,280	—
#34	North Carolina	$72,500	−$780
#35	Nebraska	$72,500	−$780
#36	Georgia	$71,720	−$1,560

See all 50 states →

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Education path for Florida

The typical path is a associate degree + state license; bachelor's preferred for advancement, taking about 24 months. Tuition ranges from $9,000 (community college) to $50,000 (private accelerated). On the Florida median of $73,280, payback periods are typically 1.2 years or less from a starting income near minimum wage.

For full credentialing detail and the realistic career outlook, see the Respiratory Therapist salary overview. To run your own numbers, use the ROI calculator with Florida selected.

Respiratory Therapist salary in Florida — FAQ

What is the average respiratory therapist salary in Florida?

The median respiratory therapist salary in Florida is $73,280 per year (BLS OEWS, May 2024). The bottom 10% earn around $50,910; the top 10% earn $89,260 or more. About 9,185 people work in this role across the state.

How does Florida respiratory therapist pay compare to the national average?

Florida's median of $73,280 is $4,680 below the U.S. national median of $77,960. After adjusting for Florida's cost of living (Regional Price Parity 99.8), the real-purchasing-power equivalent is $73,427.

Is respiratory therapist a good career in Florida?

On the data: Florida employs roughly 9,185 respiratory therapists, with a median wage of $73,280 and the top decile clearing $89,260. The role is projected to grow +13% nationally over the next decade. Whether it's "good" for you depends on whether the work suits you and whether you're positioned for the in-state metros that pay above the median.

What's the hourly rate for respiratory therapists in Florida?

At the Florida median of $73,280 annually, the equivalent hourly rate is approximately $35.23/hr. The top 10% earn around $42.91/hr, while entry-level roles typically pay $24.48/hr or slightly above.

Methodology note

Florida-level wage data sourced from BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024 release (SOC 29-1126: Respiratory Therapists), with state pay indexes from BLS area-comparison tables. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parities, 2023 release, where Florida's RPP is 99.8 (U.S. = 100). Last reviewed: May 2026.