HealthcareOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Respiratory Therapist Salary in Los Angeles
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$141,756/yr
Typical range: $132,851 – $156,552
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Respiratory Therapist salary by experience level in Los Angeles
Respiratory Therapist Salary Progression in Los Angeles
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $77,523 | $6,460 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $95,242 | $7,937 | +23% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $105,579 | $8,798 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $116,949 | $9,746 | +51% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $141,756 | $11,813 | +83% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $163,020 | $13,585 | +110% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $168,335 | $14,028 | +117% |
Current Salary
$141,756
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $68/hr
Next Level Target
$163,020
Principal · 14
+$21Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
54/100
Moderate
+14% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Respiratory Therapist salary in Los Angeles, CA?
Staff / Lead Respiratory Therapists in Los Angeles, CA earn approximately $142K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Respiratory Therapist make per hour in Los Angeles, CA?
Based on $142K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $68/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Respiratory Therapist in Los Angeles, CA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Respiratory Therapist in Los Angeles, CA earns $133K–$157K/yr.