Physical Therapists vs Respiratory Therapists salary

As stated by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average yearly salary for Physical Therapists is $92,920, compared to $68,190 for Respiratory Therapists. This shows that the pay for Physical Therapists is much higher than for Respiratory Therapists.

Keep in mind, however, that the salary of an employee can be influenced by factors such as location and experience. For instance, Physical Therapists working in Nevada (with a salary of $104,210 on average) may earn more than those in North Dakota ($81,480). To provide another instance, Respiratory Therapists in California have an average salary that is 78% higher than those in Mississippi.

Physical Therapists vs Respiratory Therapists overview

Physical Therapists and Respiratory Therapists are two important occupations in the Health Care Services industry. Many people are interested in understanding the differences between these occupations, as well as the average pay for each.

Physical Therapist job description

Physical Therapists assess, plan, organize, and participate in rehabilitative programs that improve mobility, relieve pain, increase strength, and improve or correct disabling conditions resulting from disease or injury.

Physical Therapist education and experience

Among Physical Therapists, about a half have obtained a Doctoral Degree, 38% hold a Master's Degree, and 8% have a Bachelor's Degree. In terms of experience, about a third of Physical Therapist occupations require no previous experience. A smaller portion of roles (23%) require a previous experience of 1 to 2 years.

Physical Therapist average salary

As reported by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2021, the number of Physical Therapists employed in the United States was 225,350, and they earned an average of $92,920 per year. The bottom 10 percent had a salary of $61,930 or less, and the top 10 percent had a salary of $127,110 or more. The average salary marks an increase of 1.4% in comparison to the previous year.

Do Physical Therapists make good money?

Physical Therapists are typically paid well, since their mean salary is 59% above the average pay in the United States ($58,260). Moreover, they make about a third more than the mean salary of the Health Care Services industry ($70,360).

Physical Therapists are typically paid well, since their mean salary is 59% above the average pay in the United States ($58,260).

Physical Therapists job growth

In 2021, there have been 4,480 more Physical Therapist job opportunities than the previous year across the nation, and that shows an increase of 2%. Over the past 3 years, job growth has averaged -0.4%.

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 number of Respiratory Therapists employed by the United States in 2021 was 133,410, and they earned an average annual income of $68,190. The bottom 10 percent had a salary of $47,380 or less, and the top 10 percent had a salary of $95,540 or more. The average salary has an increase of 3.9% in comparison to the previous year.

Do Respiratory Therapists make good money?

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

FAQ

Do Physical Therapists or Respiratory Therapists make more?

Physical Therapists make 36% more than Respiratory Therapists. The average annual pay for Respiratory Therapists is $68,190, compared to $92,920 for Physical Therapists.

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

Becoming a Physical Therapist typically requires a Doctoral Degree. Obtaining a Doctoral Degree usually takes between 4 years and 6 years of study. However, if we consider that a Master's Degree is required beforehand, the full education may take around 13 years to complete. In contrast, becoming a Respiratory Therapist typically requires an Associate's Degree. Obtaining an Associate's Degree usually takes around 2 years of study.

Is it harder to become a Physical Therapist vs Respiratory Therapist?

Becoming a Physical Therapist is much more difficult than becoming a Respiratory Therapist, since it takes 11 more years of education.