How to Become a Respiratory Therapists in California
Respiratory Therapists in California earn a median salary of $102,120/year, which is 27% above the national average. California has a state income tax of ~5.5%. After taxes and rent, a respiratory therapists takes home approximately $4,804/month. Most positions require Associate's degree.
What a respiratory therapists can afford in California
Becoming a respiratory therapists in California
Meet education requirements
Respiratory Therapists positions in California typically require Associate's degree. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across California. Research accredited programs in your area.
Gain required experience
Many respiratory therapists positions in California require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.
Obtain California licensure or certification
California may require specific licensing or professional certification for respiratory therapistss. Requirements vary by state — contact the California Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.
Find positions in California
California employs 18,310 respiratory therapists. The highest concentrations are in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara and Vallejo.
Respiratory Therapists salary by metro area in California
| Metro area | Median | Hourly | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara | $137K | $65.91/hr | 950 |
| Vallejo | $133K | $63.71/hr | 190 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont | $131K | $63.13/hr | 1,940 |
| Santa Rosa-Petaluma | $130K | $62.33/hr | 210 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom | $129K | $62.1/hr | 1,070 |
| Redding | $120K | $57.48/hr | 80 |
| Santa Maria-Santa Barbara | $105K | $50.43/hr | 100 |
| Modesto | $104K | $49.91/hr | 290 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad | $103K | $49.32/hr | 1,430 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim | $101K | $48.68/hr | 7,010 |
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura | $101K | $48.54/hr | 320 |
| Bakersfield-Delano | $99K | $47.4/hr | 380 |
| Merced | $98K | $47.19/hr | 40 |
| Stockton-Lodi | $97K | $46.77/hr | 390 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario | $97K | $46.67/hr | 2,210 |
Respiratory Therapists salary range in California
Respiratory Therapists careers in other states
Frequently asked questions
How much does a respiratory therapists make in California?▼
The median respiratory therapists salary in California is $102,120 per year ($49.1/hr). This is 27% above the national median of $80,450. Salaries range from $78,150 to $138,000.
What are the requirements to become a respiratory therapists in California?▼
Respiratory Therapists positions in California typically require Associate's degree. California may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the California licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.
Can a respiratory therapists afford to live in California?▼
At the median salary of $102,120, a respiratory therapists in California would take home approximately $6,216/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 22.7% of take-home pay going to housing. This is within the recommended 30% guideline.
What are the best cities for respiratory therapists in California?▼
The highest paying metro areas for respiratory therapists in California are San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara ($137,080), Vallejo ($132,520), San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont ($131,320). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.
Does California have state income tax for respiratory therapists?▼
Yes, California has a state income tax rate of approximately 5.5%. On a $102,120 salary, this means roughly $5,635/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.