Respiratory Therapist vs Surgeon: 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.
Surgeon
Perform operative procedures to treat injuries, diseases, and deformities.
Surgeon earns more on average — the national median is $342,865/year (421%) 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 Surgeon — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Respiratory Therapist | Surgeon | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $120,057 | $600,082 | Respiratory $480,025 |
| New York, NY | $97,873 | $498,340 | Respiratory $400,467 |
| Seattle, WA | $118,754 | $606,568 | Respiratory $487,814 |
| Austin, TX | $89,357 | $487,767 | Respiratory $398,410 |
| Chicago, IL | $89,921 | $464,470 | Respiratory $374,549 |
| Boston, MA | $108,564 | $566,760 | Respiratory $458,196 |
| London, UK | £61,769 | £236,648 | Respiratory $174,879 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$110,580 | CA$419,646 | Respiratory $309,066 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Respiratory Therapist or Surgeon earn more?+
A Surgeon earns more on average. The national median salary for a Respiratory Therapist is $81,473/year, compared to $424,338/year for a Surgeon — a difference of $342,865 (421%).
Which has better career growth — Respiratory Therapist or Surgeon?+
Respiratory Therapist roles are growing at 14% YoY while Surgeon demand is growing at 4% YoY. Respiratory Therapist has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Respiratory Therapist to Surgeon?+
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 Surgeon?+
Surgeon has a lower AI automation risk (8% vs 15%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.