Registered Nurse 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 Nurse
Provide patient care, administer medications, and support physicians.
Respiratory Therapist
Diagnose and treat patients with breathing disorders and cardiopulmonary issues.
Registered Nurse earns more on average — the national median is $16,077/year (20%) higher than a Respiratory Therapist. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Registered Nurse vs Respiratory Therapist — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Registered Nurse | Respiratory Therapist | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $138,630 | $120,057 | Registered +$18,573 |
| New York, NY | $115,773 | $97,873 | Registered +$17,900 |
| Seattle, WA | $138,867 | $118,754 | Registered +$20,113 |
| Austin, TX | $107,039 | $89,357 | Registered +$17,682 |
| Chicago, IL | $102,780 | $89,921 | Registered +$12,859 |
| Boston, MA | $129,765 | $108,564 | Registered +$21,201 |
| London, UK | £52,037 | £61,769 | Registered $9,732 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$94,614 | CA$110,580 | Registered $15,966 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Registered Nurse or Respiratory Therapist earn more?+
A Registered Nurse earns more on average. The national median salary for a Registered Nurse is $97,550/year, compared to $81,473/year for a Respiratory Therapist — a difference of $16,077 (20%).
Which has better career growth — Registered Nurse or Respiratory Therapist?+
Registered Nurse roles are growing at 6% YoY while Respiratory Therapist demand is growing at 14% YoY. Respiratory Therapist has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Registered Nurse 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 Nurse or Respiratory Therapist?+
Respiratory Therapist has a lower AI automation risk (15% vs 15%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.