Georgia · BLS SOC 29-1126

Respiratory Therapist salary in Georgia

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

The median respiratory therapist salary in Georgia is $71,720 per year (BLS OEWS, May 2024). The bottom 10% earn around $49,830; the top 10% earn $86,580 or more. About 4,187 people work in this role across the state.

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

Georgia's median of $71,720 is $6,240 below the U.S. national median of $77,960. After adjusting for Georgia's cost of living (Regional Price Parity 92.7), the real-purchasing-power equivalent is $77,368.

Median $71,720 · Top 10% earn $86,580+ · Roughly 4,187 workers in Georgia. Source: BLS OEWS, May 2024.

Georgia median: $71,720; $34.48/hr
Top 10%: $86,580; 90th percentile
Bottom 10%: $49,830; Entry-level range
Real pay: $77,368; CoL-adjusted (RPP 92.7)

Georgia pays modestly below the U.S. median for respiratory therapists — $71,720 versus the national median of $77,960. Real purchasing power tracks roughly the U.S. average. The state employs roughly 4,187 respiratory therapists.

What drives respiratory therapist pay in Georgia

Georgia RT pay tracks below national median. Emory Healthcare and Northside Hospital (Atlanta) pay highest in-state.

Georgia ranks #36 of 50 states

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

Rank	State	Median	vs. Georgia
#35	Nebraska	$72,500	+$780
#34	North Carolina	$72,500	+$780
#33	Ohio	$73,280	+$1,560
#36	Georgia (this page)	$71,720	—
#37	South Carolina	$70,940	−$780
#38	Indiana	$70,940	−$780
#39	Iowa	$70,940	−$780

See all 50 states →

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Education path for Georgia

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 Georgia median of $71,720, payback periods are typically 1.3 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 Georgia selected.

Respiratory Therapist salary in Georgia — FAQ

What is the average respiratory therapist salary in Georgia?

The median respiratory therapist salary in Georgia is $71,720 per year (BLS OEWS, May 2024). The bottom 10% earn around $49,830; the top 10% earn $86,580 or more. About 4,187 people work in this role across the state.

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

Georgia's median of $71,720 is $6,240 below the U.S. national median of $77,960. After adjusting for Georgia's cost of living (Regional Price Parity 92.7), the real-purchasing-power equivalent is $77,368.

Is respiratory therapist a good career in Georgia?

On the data: Georgia employs roughly 4,187 respiratory therapists, with a median wage of $71,720 and the top decile clearing $86,580. 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 Georgia?

At the Georgia median of $71,720 annually, the equivalent hourly rate is approximately $34.48/hr. The top 10% earn around $41.63/hr, while entry-level roles typically pay $23.96/hr or slightly above.

Methodology note

Georgia-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 Georgia's RPP is 92.7 (U.S. = 100). Last reviewed: May 2026.