Respiratory Therapist.
Richmond.
$65,000
median salary, 2% above the national average
$55,000 to $78,000. Last updated April 2026.
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Data points to own the conversation.
Here is what Respiratory Therapists actually make in Richmond: $55,000 at the 25th percentile, $65,000 at the median, and $78,000 at the 75th. That is 2% above the national average. Richmond combines a strong government and defense sector with growing technology and financial services industries. The number on your offer letter will depend on what you bring and how you ask.
Salary range
Where do you fall?
Salary by experience
The gap between entry and lead level is typically $59,000. Where you land depends on years of experience and what you bring to the table.
Entry (0-2 yrs)
$42,000
to $52,000
Mid (3-5 yrs)
$55,000
to $68,000
Senior (6-9 yrs)
$72,000
to $85,000
Lead (10+ yrs)
$81,000
to $101,000
Salary trend
+3% YoYTotal compensation
Base salary is not the full picture. Equity, bonus, and signing can add $17,000 to the total package.
Base
$65,000
Equity
$10,000
Bonus
$6,000
Signing
$1,000
Estimated total: $82,000
How Richmond compares
Richmond, VA
$65,000
Cost of living: 1% above average
National Average
$64,000
Richmond is $1,000 above
Respiratory Therapist salary by city
Salary by role in Richmond
What you should know
If you are interviewing for Respiratory Therapist roles in Richmond, here is what you are walking into. Richmond combines a strong government and defense sector with growing technology and financial services industries. Capital One's headquarters drives significant fintech employment. The city's proximity to Washington DC creates spillover demand for federal contractors and tech workers seeking lower living costs. 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 Richmond, cost of living sits near the national average, so the numbers you see are roughly what you keep.
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: virginia's top income tax rate is 5.75%. Richmond has no city income tax. The moderate rate and reasonable cost of living create solid net compensation. When someone quotes you $65,000, ask what the total package looks like. The gap between base and total comp is where real money hides.
On negotiation: Leverage DC corridor salary benchmarks. Richmond employers compete with Northern Virginia and DC for talent, especially in fintech and government contracting. The range for Respiratory Therapists in Richmond runs from $55,000 to $78,000. 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 Graphic Designer in Richmond earns $64,000 (2% less)
- The highest-paying role in Richmond is Chief AI Officer at $316,000
Common questions.
Respiratory Therapist salary in other cities
Other salaries in Richmond
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