Registered Dietitian vs Respiratory Therapist: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Registered Dietitian
Provide evidence-based nutritional guidance and meal plans for individuals.
Respiratory Therapist
Diagnose and treat patients with breathing disorders and cardiopulmonary issues.
Respiratory Therapist earns more on average — the national median is $5,073/year (7%) higher than a Registered Dietitian. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Registered Dietitian vs Respiratory Therapist — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Registered Dietitian | Respiratory Therapist | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $111,580 | $120,057 | Registered $8,477 |
| New York, NY | $91,691 | $97,873 | Registered $6,182 |
| Seattle, WA | $107,646 | $118,754 | Registered $11,108 |
| Austin, TX | $84,638 | $89,357 | Registered $4,719 |
| Chicago, IL | $82,536 | $89,921 | Registered $7,385 |
| Boston, MA | $98,403 | $108,564 | Registered $10,161 |
| London, UK | £59,011 | £61,769 | Registered $2,758 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$101,162 | CA$110,580 | Registered $9,418 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Registered Dietitian or Respiratory Therapist earn more?+
A Respiratory Therapist earns more on average. The national median salary for a Registered Dietitian is $76,400/year, compared to $81,473/year for a Respiratory Therapist — a difference of $5,073 (7%).
Which has better career growth — Registered Dietitian or Respiratory Therapist?+
Registered Dietitian roles are growing at 11% YoY while Respiratory Therapist demand is growing at 14% YoY. Respiratory Therapist has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Registered Dietitian to Respiratory Therapist?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: analytical thinking, communication, and industry knowledge.
Which is harder to automate — Registered Dietitian or Respiratory Therapist?+
Respiratory Therapist has a lower AI automation risk (15% vs 26%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.