Respiratory Therapists vs Nurses salary

As stated by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average yearly salary for Respiratory Therapists is $68,190, compared to $82,750 for Nurses. This shows that the pay for Nurses is higher than for Respiratory Therapists.

However, it's worth noting that salaries can vary depending on factors such as location, experience, and the specific setting in which the employee works. As an example, Respiratory Therapists who work in California (with an average salary of $92,660) may earn more than those who work in Mississippi ($52,060). And Nurses in California earn 105% more on average than those in South Dakota.

Respiratory Therapists vs Nurses overview

Respiratory Therapists and Nurses are two important roles in the Hospitals industry. Many people are interested in understanding the differences between these jobs, as well as the average salaries for each.

Respiratory Therapist job description

Respiratory Therapists assess, treat, and care for patients with breathing disorders. Assume primary responsibility for all respiratory care modalities, including the supervision of respiratory therapy technicians. Initiate and conduct therapeutic procedures; maintain patient records; and select, assemble, check, and operate equipment.

Respiratory Therapist education and experience

Becoming a Respiratory Therapist typically involves obtaining an Associate's Degree. But additionally, among employees with this job title, there are also some with a Bachelor's Degree (12%) and a Post-Secondary Certificate (5%). With regard to experience, about a third of Respiratory Therapist occupations require a 6 months to 1 year of previous work-related experience. A smaller portion of roles (23%) do not require any previous experience.

Respiratory Therapist average salary

According to data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the United States had a workforce of 133,410 Respiratory Therapists in 2021 and they earned an average annual income of $68,190. The lowest earning 10 percent made $47,380 or less, and the highest earning 10 percent made $95,540 or more per year. Compared to the previous year, the mean salary has increased by 3.9%.

Do Respiratory Therapists make good money?

The mean salary of Respiratory Therapists is 17% above the average pay in the United States ($58,260). In contrast, they make 6% less than the mean salary of the Hospitals industry ($72,260).

The mean salary of Respiratory Therapists is 17% above the average pay in the United States ($58,260).

Respiratory Therapists job growth

In 2021, there have been 1,520 more Respiratory Therapist job opportunities than the previous year across the nation, and that shows an increase of 1.2%. The average job growth rate for the past 3 years has been 1%.

Nurse job description

Alternative names: Registered Nurses, RN

Nurses assess patient health problems and needs, develop and implement nursing care plans, and maintain medical records. Administer nursing care to ill, injured, convalescent, or disabled patients. May advise patients on health maintenance and disease prevention or provide case management. Licensing or registration required. Includes Clinical Nurse Specialists.

Nurse education and experience

The majority of Nurses (56%) have obtained a Bachelor's Degree. However, among employees in this occupation, there are also some with a Post-Secondary Certificate (23%) and an Associate's Degree (19%). With regard to experience, about a third of Nurse jobs require a 1 to 2 years of work-related experience. A smaller percentage of jobs (19%) do not require any previous experience.

Nurse average salary

As reported by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2021, the number of Nurses employed in the United States was 3.05M, and they earned an average of $82,750 per year. The bottom 10 percent had a salary of $59,450 or less, and the top 10 percent had a salary of $120,250 or more. The average salary has increased by 3.4% compared the previous year.

Do Nurses make good money?

Nurses are usually paid well, as their average salary is 42% higher than the average wage in the United States ($58,260). Moreover, they earn 15% more than the average wage of the Hospitals industry ($72,260).

Nurses are usually paid well, as their average salary is 42% higher than the average wage in the United States ($58,260).

Nurses job growth

There has been a growth in the number of Nurses being hired over the last two years. In 2021, there have been 61,030 more positions than the previous year nationwide, which marks a rise of 2%. Over the past 3 years, job growth has averaged 1.1%.

FAQ

Do Respiratory Therapists or Nurses make more?

Nurses make 21% more than Respiratory Therapists. The average annual pay for Respiratory Therapists is $68,190, while Nurses earn $82,750 per year.

How long does it take to become a Respiratory Therapist vs Nurse?

Respiratory Therapists typically need an Associate's Degree. It usually takes around 2 years to complete an Associate's Degree. While on the other hand, Nurses typically need a Bachelor's Degree. It usually takes around 4 years to complete a Bachelor's Degree.

Is it harder to become a Respiratory Therapist vs Nurse?

It is more difficult to become a Nurse than a Respiratory Therapist, since it takes 2 more years of education.