HealthcareOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1000–2 years
Entry Level Respiratory Therapist Salary in Washington DC
2026 · Recent graduates and professionals with under 2 years of experience.
$77,717/yr
Typical range: $78,540 – $92,552
P10–P25 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Respiratory Therapist salary by experience level in Washington DC
Respiratory Therapist Salary Progression in Washington DC
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EntryThis page | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $77,717 | $6,476 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $95,481 | $7,957 | +23% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $105,843 | $8,820 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $117,241 | $9,770 | +51% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $142,111 | $11,843 | +83% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $163,427 | $13,619 | +110% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $168,756 | $14,063 | +117% |
Current Salary
$77,717
Entry Level · 0–2 years
Hourly: $37/hr
Next Level Target
$95,481
Junior · 2
+$18Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
54/100
Moderate
+14% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the entry level Respiratory Therapist salary in Washington DC, DC?
Entry Level Respiratory Therapists in Washington DC, DC earn approximately $78K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P10–P25 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a entry level Respiratory Therapist make per hour in Washington DC, DC?
Based on $78K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $37/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from entry level to senior Respiratory Therapist in Washington DC, DC?
The typical progression takes 4–6 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Respiratory Therapist in Washington DC, DC earns $133K–$157K/yr.