How to Become a Respiratory Therapists in Florida
Respiratory Therapists in Florida earn a median salary of $79,710/year, which is 1% below the national average. Florida has no state income tax. After taxes and rent, a respiratory therapists takes home approximately $3,960/month. Most positions require Associate's degree.
What a respiratory therapists can afford in Florida
Becoming a respiratory therapists in Florida
Meet education requirements
Respiratory Therapists positions in Florida typically require Associate's degree. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across Florida. Research accredited programs in your area.
Gain required experience
Many respiratory therapists positions in Florida require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.
Obtain Florida licensure or certification
Florida may require specific licensing or professional certification for respiratory therapistss. Requirements vary by state — contact the Florida Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.
Find positions in Florida
Florida employs 8,840 respiratory therapists. The highest concentrations are in Cape Coral-Fort Myers and Naples-Marco Island.
Respiratory Therapists salary by metro area in Florida
| Metro area | Median | Hourly | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cape Coral-Fort Myers | $84K | $40.15/hr | 310 |
| Naples-Marco Island | $82K | $39.38/hr | 140 |
| North Port-Bradenton-Sarasota | $82K | $39.3/hr | 240 |
| Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach | $81K | $39.07/hr | 2,450 |
| Pensacola-Ferry Pass-Brent | $81K | $38.92/hr | 200 |
| Lakeland-Winter Haven | $81K | $38.76/hr | 270 |
| Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford | $81K | $38.72/hr | 1,110 |
| Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater | $80K | $38.63/hr | 1,540 |
| Port St. Lucie | $80K | $38.32/hr | 140 |
| Sebastian-Vero Beach-West Vero Corridor | $79K | $37.94/hr | 90 |
| Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin | $78K | $37.59/hr | 90 |
| Jacksonville | $77K | $37.03/hr | 670 |
| Deltona-Daytona Beach-Ormond Beach | $75K | $36.23/hr | 270 |
| Panama City-Panama City Beach | $75K | $35.84/hr | 80 |
| Tallahassee | $74K | $35.68/hr | 130 |
Respiratory Therapists salary range in Florida
Respiratory Therapists careers in other states
Frequently asked questions
How much does a respiratory therapists make in Florida?▼
The median respiratory therapists salary in Florida is $79,710 per year ($38.32/hr). This is 1% below the national median of $80,450. Salaries range from $62,940 to $98,890.
What are the requirements to become a respiratory therapists in Florida?▼
Respiratory Therapists positions in Florida typically require Associate's degree. Florida may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the Florida licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.
Can a respiratory therapists afford to live in Florida?▼
At the median salary of $79,710, a respiratory therapists in Florida would take home approximately $5,372/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 26.3% of take-home pay going to housing. This is within the recommended 30% guideline.
What are the best cities for respiratory therapists in Florida?▼
The highest paying metro areas for respiratory therapists in Florida are Cape Coral-Fort Myers ($83,520), Naples-Marco Island ($81,910), North Port-Bradenton-Sarasota ($81,740). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.
Does Florida have state income tax for respiratory therapists?▼
No, Florida does not have a state income tax. This means respiratory therapists keep more of their gross salary compared to states with income tax — a significant advantage for affordability.