Respiratory Therapist vs Psychiatrist: 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.
Psychiatrist
Diagnose and treat mental health disorders using medication and psychotherapy.
Psychiatrist earns more on average — the national median is $200,397/year (246%) 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 Psychiatrist — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Respiratory Therapist | Psychiatrist | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $120,057 | $420,872 | Respiratory $300,815 |
| New York, NY | $97,873 | $344,472 | Respiratory $246,599 |
| Seattle, WA | $118,754 | $412,989 | Respiratory $294,235 |
| Austin, TX | $89,357 | $317,235 | Respiratory $227,878 |
| Chicago, IL | $89,921 | $294,561 | Respiratory $204,640 |
| Boston, MA | $108,564 | $362,959 | Respiratory $254,395 |
| London, UK | £61,769 | £219,355 | Respiratory $157,586 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$110,580 | CA$384,563 | Respiratory $273,983 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Respiratory Therapist or Psychiatrist earn more?+
A Psychiatrist earns more on average. The national median salary for a Respiratory Therapist is $81,473/year, compared to $281,870/year for a Psychiatrist — a difference of $200,397 (246%).
Which has better career growth — Respiratory Therapist or Psychiatrist?+
Respiratory Therapist roles are growing at 14% YoY while Psychiatrist demand is growing at 18% YoY. Psychiatrist has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Respiratory Therapist to Psychiatrist?+
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 Psychiatrist?+
Psychiatrist has a lower AI automation risk (8% vs 15%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.