Respiratory Therapist salary in Iowa
A strong career option in Iowa — with programs that take 2 to 4 years to complete.
Median pay · May 2025
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
$74,760/ yr
$6,230 / mo · $35.94 / hr
↓ $7,520 below the national median ($82,280)
Pay by experience
Entry
$62,858
Median
$74,760
Experienced
$86,507
Demand
High
Program length
2 to 4 years
Projected growth
+12.1%
Annual openings
8,800
Market trajectory
BLS national wage benchmarks
How Iowa compares to the national wage trend
Iowa median
$74,760
2025 national
$82,280
2024 national
$80,450
↑ +2.3% change in national average wages for this field over the last year.
Job demand & outlook
+12.1% projected growth through 2034
8,800 average annual openings nationwide for Respiratory Therapists.
Source: BLS Employment Projections
Where this career can take you
A clear progression path, with real salary growth at each step
- Respiratory Therapist (entry-level)$62,858
- Respiratory Therapist (mid-career)$74,760
- Respiratory Therapist (experienced)$86,507
Is this career change worth it?
A simple look at what it costs vs what you gain
What it typically costs
- Average training cost$13,148
- Time to complete2 to 4 years
- Credential earnedAssociate Degree
What you get back
- Starting salary$62,858
- Median salary$74,760
- Experienced salary$86,507
At an entry wage of $62,858, most Respiratory Therapists break even on the $13,148 training investment in about 3 months of work.
How to become a Respiratory Therapist in Iowa
A clear path from where you are to where you want to be
Find a Respiratory Therapist program in Iowa
Browse certified training programs. Most Respiratory Therapist tracks complete in 2 to 4 years and average $13,148 in tuition.
Earn your Associate Degree
Complete coursework, finish required clinical or lab hours, and pass the exam required for a Associate Degree in Iowa.
Get hired in Iowa
With roughly 8,800 Respiratory Therapist openings each year nationwide, graduates often find employment within 30–90 days in Iowa.
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Frequently asked questions
The median salary for a Respiratory Therapist in Iowa is $74,760 per year, which is $35.94 per hour. Entry level positions typically start around $62,858 while experienced Respiratory Therapists can earn up to $86,507 annually.
Next step
Find Respiratory Therapist Classes Near You
Enter your ZIP code to see accredited Respiratory Therapist classes in your area.