Medical Lab Scientist vs Respiratory Therapist: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Medical Lab Scientist
Perform laboratory tests on patient samples to aid clinical diagnosis.
Respiratory Therapist
Diagnose and treat patients with breathing disorders and cardiopulmonary issues.
Respiratory Therapist earns more on average — the national median is $11,316/year (16%) higher than a Medical Lab Scientist. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Medical Lab Scientist vs Respiratory Therapist — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Medical Lab Scientist | Respiratory Therapist | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $103,069 | $120,057 | Medical $16,988 |
| New York, NY | $87,047 | $97,873 | Medical $10,826 |
| Seattle, WA | $102,380 | $118,754 | Medical $16,374 |
| Austin, TX | $79,439 | $89,357 | Medical $9,918 |
| Chicago, IL | $75,418 | $89,921 | Medical $14,503 |
| Boston, MA | $90,176 | $108,564 | Medical $18,388 |
| London, UK | £55,328 | £61,769 | Medical $6,441 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$91,433 | CA$110,580 | Medical $19,147 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Medical Lab Scientist or Respiratory Therapist earn more?+
A Respiratory Therapist earns more on average. The national median salary for a Medical Lab Scientist is $70,157/year, compared to $81,473/year for a Respiratory Therapist — a difference of $11,316 (16%).
Which has better career growth — Medical Lab Scientist or Respiratory Therapist?+
Medical Lab Scientist roles are growing at 7% YoY while Respiratory Therapist demand is growing at 14% YoY. Respiratory Therapist has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Medical Lab Scientist 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 — Medical Lab Scientist or Respiratory Therapist?+
Respiratory Therapist has a lower AI automation risk (15% vs 55%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.