Respiratory Therapist vs Medical Coder: 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.
Medical Coder
Translate medical diagnoses and procedures into standardised codes for billing.
Respiratory Therapist earns more on average — the national median is $24,895/year (44%) higher than a Medical Coder. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Respiratory Therapist vs Medical Coder — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Respiratory Therapist | Medical Coder | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $120,057 | $83,101 | Respiratory +$36,956 |
| New York, NY | $97,873 | $69,765 | Respiratory +$28,108 |
| Seattle, WA | $118,754 | $79,430 | Respiratory +$39,324 |
| Austin, TX | $89,357 | $64,839 | Respiratory +$24,518 |
| Chicago, IL | $89,921 | $59,692 | Respiratory +$30,229 |
| Boston, MA | $108,564 | $75,244 | Respiratory +$33,320 |
| London, UK | £61,769 | £44,852 | Respiratory +$16,917 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$110,580 | CA$75,011 | Respiratory +$35,569 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Respiratory Therapist or Medical Coder earn more?+
A Respiratory Therapist earns more on average. The national median salary for a Respiratory Therapist is $81,473/year, compared to $56,578/year for a Medical Coder — a difference of $24,895 (44%).
Which has better career growth — Respiratory Therapist or Medical Coder?+
Respiratory Therapist roles are growing at 14% YoY while Medical Coder demand is growing at 9% YoY. Respiratory Therapist has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Respiratory Therapist to Medical Coder?+
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 Medical Coder?+
Respiratory Therapist has a lower AI automation risk (15% vs 72%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.