Respiratory Therapist vs Health Informatics Specialist: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Respiratory Therapist
Diagnose and treat patients with breathing disorders and cardiopulmonary issues.
Health Informatics Specialist
Manage and analyse healthcare data systems to improve patient outcomes.
Health Informatics Specialist earns more on average — the national median is $35,107/year (43%) higher than a Respiratory Therapist. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Respiratory Therapist vs Health Informatics Specialist — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Respiratory Therapist | Health Informatics Specialist | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $120,057 | $167,045 | Respiratory $46,988 |
| New York, NY | $97,873 | $137,525 | Respiratory $39,652 |
| Seattle, WA | $118,754 | $166,153 | Respiratory $47,399 |
| Austin, TX | $89,357 | $130,205 | Respiratory $40,848 |
| Chicago, IL | $89,921 | $123,750 | Respiratory $33,829 |
| Boston, MA | $108,564 | $155,128 | Respiratory $46,564 |
| London, UK | £61,769 | £92,602 | Respiratory $30,833 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$110,580 | CA$156,673 | Respiratory $46,093 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Respiratory Therapist or Health Informatics Specialist earn more?+
A Health Informatics Specialist earns more on average. The national median salary for a Respiratory Therapist is $81,473/year, compared to $116,580/year for a Health Informatics Specialist — a difference of $35,107 (43%).
Which has better career growth — Respiratory Therapist or Health Informatics Specialist?+
Respiratory Therapist roles are growing at 14% YoY while Health Informatics Specialist demand is growing at 22% YoY. Health Informatics Specialist has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Respiratory Therapist to Health Informatics Specialist?+
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 — Respiratory Therapist or Health Informatics Specialist?+
Respiratory Therapist has a lower AI automation risk (15% vs 45%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.