Salary of Respiratory Therapy Technician

Respiratory therapy technicians assist respiratory therapists in providing care for patients with lung disorders. They use various equipment and methodology to care for premature babies, children with asthma and adults with chronic lung problems such as emphysema.

Starting Salary

According to the PayScale salary-survey website, the median starting salary for respiratory therapy technicians in 2009 is between $14.50 and $20 per hour, with an increase to $16 to $26.50 with five years of experience.

Average Salary

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics puts the average salary for respiratory therapy technicians at $21 per hour, or about $44,000 per year. Nearly 80 percent of respiratory therapy technicians work in hospitals, according to the bureau.

General Range

About 80 percent of respiratory therapy technicians in 2008 were earning between $13.50 and $30 per hour. Narrowing that down, the middle 50 percent had salaries of between $16.70 and $25 per hour.

Potential

Higher average pay, about $25.60 per hour, is available for those working in health and personal care stores, in which they might be selling or renting equipment to patients receiving care at home.

Additional Opportunity

Respiratory therapy technicians working for ambulatory care services were making about $25 hourly on average in 2008.

References

• Occupational Employment Statistics: Occupational Employment and Wages in May 2008 for Respiratory Therapy Technicians
• PayScale: Respiratory Therapy Technician Hourly Rate Chart