Nurse Practitioner vs Respiratory Therapist: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Nurse Practitioner
Provide advanced nursing care including diagnosing and treating conditions.
Respiratory Therapist
Diagnose and treat patients with breathing disorders and cardiopulmonary issues.
Nurse Practitioner earns more on average — the national median is $50,827/year (62%) higher than a Respiratory Therapist. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Nurse Practitioner vs Respiratory Therapist — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Nurse Practitioner | Respiratory Therapist | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $187,882 | $120,057 | Nurse +$67,825 |
| New York, NY | $163,340 | $97,873 | Nurse +$65,467 |
| Seattle, WA | $192,574 | $118,754 | Nurse +$73,820 |
| Austin, TX | $143,940 | $89,357 | Nurse +$54,583 |
| Chicago, IL | $139,454 | $89,921 | Nurse +$49,533 |
| Boston, MA | $174,490 | $108,564 | Nurse +$65,926 |
| London, UK | £104,229 | £61,769 | Nurse +$42,460 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$171,863 | CA$110,580 | Nurse +$61,283 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Nurse Practitioner or Respiratory Therapist earn more?+
A Nurse Practitioner earns more on average. The national median salary for a Nurse Practitioner is $132,300/year, compared to $81,473/year for a Respiratory Therapist — a difference of $50,827 (62%).
Which has better career growth — Nurse Practitioner or Respiratory Therapist?+
Nurse Practitioner roles are growing at 40% YoY while Respiratory Therapist demand is growing at 14% YoY. Nurse Practitioner has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Nurse Practitioner 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 — Nurse Practitioner or Respiratory Therapist?+
Nurse Practitioner has a lower AI automation risk (12% vs 15%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.