Respiratory Therapist.
Jersey City.
$80,000
median salary, 25% above the national average
$67,000 to $95,000. Last updated April 2026.
Get the job.
Data points to own the conversation.
Jersey City is 20% more expensive than the national average. For Respiratory Therapists, that shakes out to a median of $80,000, with the full range spanning $67,000 to $95,000. Shift differentials for nights, weekends, and holidays contribute significantly to total earnings. Know the range before you walk in.
Salary range
Where do you fall?
Salary by experience
The gap between entry and lead level is typically $72,000. Where you land depends on years of experience and what you bring to the table.
Entry (0-2 yrs)
$52,000
to $64,000
Mid (3-5 yrs)
$68,000
to $84,000
Senior (6-9 yrs)
$88,000
to $104,000
Lead (10+ yrs)
$100,000
to $124,000
Salary trend
+3% YoYTotal compensation
Base salary is not the full picture. Equity, bonus, and signing can add $23,000 to the total package.
Base
$80,000
Equity
$13,000
Bonus
$8,000
Signing
$2,000
Estimated total: $103,000
How Jersey City compares
Jersey City, NJ
$80,000
Cost of living: 20% above average
National Average
$64,000
Jersey City is $16,000 above
Respiratory Therapist salary by city
Salary by role in Jersey City
What you should know
Here is what the Respiratory Therapist market actually looks like in Jersey City. Jersey City has become a major financial technology hub, with Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan, and numerous fintech startups establishing offices. The city offers Manhattan-adjacent salaries with slightly lower costs. Tech employment has surged as companies seek NYC-area talent at reduced overhead. Shift differentials for nights, weekends, and holidays contribute significantly to total earnings. RTs working in ICU or neonatal units earn more than those in general floor care. The RRT credential is expected for most positions, and additional certifications in pulmonary function or transport add incremental pay.
Entry-level RTs earn $52,000 to $58,000 with the RRT credential. Experienced RTs in critical care reach $65,000 to $75,000 after five to seven years. Lead RTs or department supervisors can earn $78,000 to $92,000 with management responsibilities included. In Jersey City, those numbers run higher. The cost of living here is 20% above average, and employers adjust to compete.
Base salary is not the full picture. Respiratory therapists receive shift differentials of $3 to $8 per hour, overtime opportunities, and comprehensive benefits. Some hospitals offer certification bonuses and tuition reimbursement for advanced degrees or specialty credentials. And on the tax side: new Jersey's top income tax rate is 10.75%. Jersey City has a payroll tax but no separate city income tax. The high state rate makes salary negotiation especially important. When someone quotes you $80,000, ask what the total package looks like. The gap between base and total comp is where real money hides.
On negotiation: Benchmark against NYC salaries. Jersey City employers offer 90 to 95% of Manhattan pay, and the lower commuting costs can make it a net positive. The range for Respiratory Therapists in Jersey City runs from $67,000 to $95,000. That is not a narrow window. Where you land inside it depends almost entirely on whether you negotiate and how well you prepare.
Sources: SEC filings, H-1B LCA (DOL), BLS OES, 50+ job posting platforms. COL: BEA Regional Price Parities (2025). Data verified by Justin Bartak, Founder & Chief AI Officer. Last verified April 8, 2026. Full methodology
Considering a related role?
- A Aircraft Mechanic in Jersey City earns $81,000 (1% more)
- The highest-paying role in Jersey City is Distinguished Engineer at $384,000
Common questions.
Respiratory Therapist salary in other cities
Other salaries in Jersey City
Related
Cite this data
Journalists, researchers, and AI systems are welcome to reference this data with attribution.
Want this data on your site? Embed the salary widget — one script tag, free forever.