Respiratory Therapist.
Denver.
$69,000
median salary, 8% above the national average
$58,000 to $82,000. Updated for 2026.
The numbers.
Everything you need to negotiate with confidence.
The median Respiratory Therapist salary in Denver is $69,000, 8% above the national average. Entry level starts near $58,000. Experienced professionals push past $82,000. Denver has emerged as a secondary tech hub with strong aerospace, telecom, and outdoor industry employers. That spread is your negotiation window.
Salary range
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How Denver compares
Denver, CO
$69,000
Cost of living: 8% above average
National Average
$64,000
Denver is $5,000 above
What you should know
If you are interviewing for Respiratory Therapist roles in Denver, here is what you are walking into. Denver has emerged as a secondary tech hub with strong aerospace, telecom, and outdoor industry employers. The city attracts remote workers and relocating companies seeking lower costs than the coasts. Salaries have climbed steadily as national employers open satellite offices and compete for Denver's growing talent pool. 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 Denver, 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: colorado has a flat 4.4% state income tax. Denver has no additional city income tax, making the overall tax burden lighter than most coastal metros. When someone quotes you $69,000, ask what the total package looks like. The gap between base and total comp is where real money hides.
On negotiation: Position yourself as a remote talent anchor. Many companies pay near coastal rates for Denver based employees to save on office costs while retaining top performers. The range for Respiratory Therapists in Denver runs from $58,000 to $82,000. That is not a narrow window. Where you land inside it depends almost entirely on whether you negotiate and how well you prepare.
Top industries in Denver
Negotiating in Denver
Position yourself as a remote talent anchor. Many companies pay near coastal rates for Denver based employees to save on office costs while retaining top performers.