Respiratory Therapist vs Veterinarian: 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.
Veterinarian
Diagnose and treat illness and injury in companion animals and livestock.
Veterinarian earns more on average — the national median is $54,315/year (67%) 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 Veterinarian — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Respiratory Therapist | Veterinarian | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $120,057 | $194,106 | Respiratory $74,049 |
| New York, NY | $97,873 | $161,125 | Respiratory $63,252 |
| Seattle, WA | $118,754 | $198,083 | Respiratory $79,329 |
| Austin, TX | $89,357 | $153,696 | Respiratory $64,339 |
| Chicago, IL | $89,921 | $146,633 | Respiratory $56,712 |
| Boston, MA | $108,564 | $172,898 | Respiratory $64,334 |
| London, UK | £61,769 | £107,404 | Respiratory $45,635 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$110,580 | CA$183,478 | Respiratory $72,898 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Respiratory Therapist or Veterinarian earn more?+
A Veterinarian earns more on average. The national median salary for a Respiratory Therapist is $81,473/year, compared to $135,788/year for a Veterinarian — a difference of $54,315 (67%).
Which has better career growth — Respiratory Therapist or Veterinarian?+
Respiratory Therapist roles are growing at 14% YoY while Veterinarian demand is growing at 19% YoY. Veterinarian has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Respiratory Therapist to Veterinarian?+
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 Veterinarian?+
Veterinarian has a lower AI automation risk (12% vs 15%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.