📍 Mississippi Programs from 2 to 4 years📈 +12.1% projected growth💼 8,800 annual openings

Respiratory Therapist salary in Mississippi

A strong career option in Mississippi — with programs that take 2 to 4 years to complete.

Median pay · May 2025

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

$63,270/ yr

$5,273 / mo · $30.42 / hr

$19,010 below the national median ($82,280)

Pay by experience

Entry

$50,190

Median

$63,270

Experienced

$80,454

Demand

High

Program length

2 to 4 years

Projected growth

+12.1%

Annual openings

8,800

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Market trajectory

BLS national wage benchmarks

How Mississippi compares to the national wage trend

Mississippi median

$63,270

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.

High demand

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)$50,190
  • Respiratory Therapist (mid-career)$63,270
  • Respiratory Therapist (experienced)$80,454

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$50,190
  • Median salary$63,270
  • Experienced salary$80,454

At an entry wage of $50,190, most Respiratory Therapists break even on the $13,148 training investment in about 4 months of work.

How to become a Respiratory Therapist in Mississippi

A clear path from where you are to where you want to be

1

Find a Respiratory Therapist program in Mississippi

Browse certified training programs. Most Respiratory Therapist tracks complete in 2 to 4 years and average $13,148 in tuition.

2

Earn your Associate Degree

Complete coursework, finish required clinical or lab hours, and pass the exam required for a Associate Degree in Mississippi.

3

Get hired in Mississippi

With roughly 8,800 Respiratory Therapist openings each year nationwide, graduates often find employment within 30–90 days in Mississippi.

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Frequently asked questions

The median salary for a Respiratory Therapist in Mississippi is $63,270 per year, which is $30.42 per hour. Entry level positions typically start around $50,190 while experienced Respiratory Therapists can earn up to $80,454 annually.

Next step

Find Respiratory Therapist Classes Near You

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