Respiratory Therapist salary in Virginia
A strong career option in Virginia — with programs that take 2 to 4 years to complete.
Median pay · May 2025
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
$82,910/ yr
$6,909 / mo · $39.86 / hr
↑ $630 above the national median ($82,280)
Pay by experience
Entry
$65,541
Median
$82,910
Experienced
$106,475
Demand
High
Program length
2 to 4 years
Projected growth
+12.1%
Annual openings
8,800
Market trajectory
BLS national wage benchmarks
How Virginia compares to the national wage trend
Virginia median
$82,910
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)$65,541
- Respiratory Therapist (mid-career)$82,910
- Respiratory Therapist (experienced)$106,475
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$65,541
- Median salary$82,910
- Experienced salary$106,475
At an entry wage of $65,541, most Respiratory Therapists break even on the $13,148 training investment in about 3 months of work.
How to become a Respiratory Therapist in Virginia
A clear path from where you are to where you want to be
Find a Respiratory Therapist program in Virginia
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 Virginia.
Get hired in Virginia
With roughly 8,800 Respiratory Therapist openings each year nationwide, graduates often find employment within 30–90 days in Virginia.
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Frequently asked questions
The median salary for a Respiratory Therapist in Virginia is $82,910 per year, which is $39.86 per hour. Entry level positions typically start around $65,541 while experienced Respiratory Therapists can earn up to $106,475 annually.
Next step
Find Respiratory Therapist Classes Near You
Enter your ZIP code to see accredited Respiratory Therapist classes in your area.