How Much Does a Respiratory Therapist Make in DC?

The salary of respiratory therapist can differ significantly and is based on several factors, including demographic region and even the individual employer. However, in most cases the salary for these positions is well above average due to the high demand. As a matter of fact, the mean wage for a respiratory therapist in Washington, D.C. as of May 2010 was actually a little above $60,000 annually, with some therapists make both above and under this amount. Various influences will play a role in how much the therapist can earn and can include but is not limited to the employment setting, education and experience and even the therapist's official job title just to name a few of these things.

Education and Experience

When considering the earning potential of a certified respiratory therapist (CRT) education and on-the-job experience can play a significant role in the salary offered by a prospective employer. Those with more experience can generally earn more; this may be especially so if they have experience in a specific setting that is in high demand. Although an associate's degree is the minimum education required those who possess a bachelor or master's degree may also have salaries well above the median in not only D.C., but across the nation because many of these individuals have advanced training.

Specific Position

The employee's specific position and role as a respiratory therapist can determine how much she or he earns. A staff therapist typically makes around $29 an hour in DC, while therapists in other positions can make more or less. Specific positions that will differ in salary include the therapist in a managerial or research position for example. Those that work on an as needed basis (PRN) or that specializes in a particular area within the field or specialize also may be subject to higher salaries.

Employer and Setting

Respiratory therapists in D.C. work in various different employment settings within the ever evolving health care industry. This can include but is not limited to hospitals, skilled nursing facilities or long term care centers and home health care agencies. Statistics indicate that some of the highest paid CRT's are employed within hospitals. However, the setting may not influence wages nearly as much as the specific employer. In many cases the biggest discrepancies in salary are not related to the setting but to the individual employer. Next to hospitals, nursing facilities and some staffing agencies pay the most.

Other Wage Considerations

Earnings potential for respiratory therapists in D.C. is based on both current and past statistics and trends. These factors listed are just a few of the things that may affect the salary of those employed as respiratory therapists in this particular area. The therapist may actually earn considerably more than the annual median wages defined here or some may earn a little less. This career option typically offers above average wages with several career opportunities within the D.C. area, even when not taking education and experience into consideration.

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