What is the entry level Respiratory Therapist salary in Philadelphia?

Entry level Respiratory Therapist positions in Philadelphia start near $59,000. Candidates with strong backgrounds negotiate toward $70,000.

How fast are Respiratory Therapist salaries growing in Philadelphia?

Respiratory Therapist salaries in Philadelphia trend upward. The 2026 range is $59,000 to $83,000.

What certifications help Respiratory Therapists earn more in Philadelphia?

Certifications add 5 to 15% to Respiratory Therapist salaries in Philadelphia. They help bridge the gap between the median of $70,000 and the 75th percentile of $83,000.

Respiratory Therapist.

Philadelphia.

$70,000

median salary, 9% above the national average

$59,000 to $83,000. Updated for 2026.

Get your playbook

The numbers.

Everything you need to negotiate with confidence.

The median Respiratory Therapist salary in Philadelphia is $70,000, 9% above the national average. Entry level starts near $59,000. Experienced professionals push past $83,000. Philadelphia combines a robust healthcare and life sciences sector with established finance and higher education institutions. That spread is your negotiation window.

Salary range

25th Percentile

$59,000

per year

Median

$70,000

per year

75th Percentile

$83,000

per year

Tap to place your salary

$59,000$83,000

How Philadelphia compares

Philadelphia, PA

$70,000

Cost of living: 9% above average

National Average

$64,000

Philadelphia is $6,000 above

What you should know

Before you negotiate a Respiratory Therapist offer in Philadelphia, understand the terrain. Philadelphia combines a robust healthcare and life sciences sector with established finance and higher education institutions. The city's pharmaceutical corridor is among the strongest in the country. Tech growth has accelerated, particularly in health tech and enterprise software, offering salaries that stretch further than in nearby New York. 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 Philadelphia, 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: pennsylvania has a flat 3.07% state income tax, but Philadelphia adds a 3.75% city wage tax for residents. This combined local burden is worth factoring into salary negotiations. When someone quotes you $70,000, ask what the total package looks like. The gap between base and total comp is where real money hides.

On negotiation: Account for the Philadelphia wage tax in your ask. Request a 5 to 8% premium over suburban offers to offset the city's local tax on all earned income. The range for Respiratory Therapists in Philadelphia runs from $59,000 to $83,000. 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 Philadelphia

Healthcare & PharmaFinancial ServicesHigher EducationTechnologyManufacturing

Negotiating in Philadelphia

Account for the Philadelphia wage tax in your ask. Request a 5 to 8% premium over suburban offers to offset the city's local tax on all earned income.

Common questions.

Night and weekend differentials typically add $6,000 to $12,000 annually for respiratory therapists. RTs who consistently work off-peak shifts can effectively increase their base salary by 10 to 18% through these premium pay rates.

The Registered Respiratory Therapist credential is the industry standard and is required by most employers. RRTs earn 8 to 15% more than CRTs, and many hospitals will not hire at full pay scale without the advanced credential.

Entry level Respiratory Therapist positions in Philadelphia typically start near $59,000. Candidates with relevant internships, certifications, or portfolio work often negotiate closer to the median of $70,000. Entry-level RTs earn $52,000 to $58,000 with the RRT credential.

Respiratory Therapist compensation in Philadelphia has trended upward as demand outpaces supply. The 2026 range of $59,000 to $83,000 reflects a market that rewards specialization. Shift differentials for nights, weekends, and holidays contribute significantly to total earnings.

Relevant certifications can add 5 to 15% to a Respiratory Therapist's base salary in Philadelphia. Specifically, shift differentials for nights, weekends, and holidays contribute significantly to total earnings. In a market where the range spans $59,000 to $83,000, certifications often bridge the gap between the 50th and 75th percentile.