HealthcareOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1003–5 years
3–5 Years Experience Respiratory Therapist Salary in San Francisco
2026 · Professionals with 3–5 years building toward senior-level expertise.
$130,263/yr
Typical range: $113,906 – $163,912
P25–P50 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Respiratory Therapist salary by experience level in San Francisco
Respiratory Therapist Salary Progression in San Francisco
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 | $95,648 | $7,971 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $117,510 | $9,793 | +23% |
| Mid-LevelThis page | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $130,263 | $10,855 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $144,292 | $12,024 | +51% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $174,899 | $14,575 | +83% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $201,134 | $16,761 | +110% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $207,693 | $17,308 | +117% |
Current Salary
$130,263
3–5 Years Experience · 3–5 years
Hourly: $63/hr
Next Level Target
$144,292
Senior · 6
+$14Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
54/100
Moderate
+14% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 3–5 years experience Respiratory Therapist salary in San Francisco, CA?
3–5 Years Experience Respiratory Therapists in San Francisco, CA earn approximately $130K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P25–P50 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a 3–5 years experience Respiratory Therapist make per hour in San Francisco, CA?
Based on $130K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $63/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from 3–5 years experience to senior Respiratory Therapist in San Francisco, CA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Respiratory Therapist in San Francisco, CA earns $164K–$193K/yr.