Respiratory Therapist Jobs in Cambridge, MA

Cambridge, Massachusetts$113,400 USD/yearFull-timeTech Hub
Updated: April 2026Expert reviewed|Data sourced from BLS, Glassdoor, and industry reports

About Respiratory Therapist Jobs in Cambridge

Looking for a Respiratory Therapist job in Cambridge? You're in the right place. This guide covers everything you need to know about working as a Respiratory Therapist in Cambridge, MA.

We'll show you what you can expect to earn. We'll also share which companies are hiring. Plus, you'll learn about the cost of living and how to get started in your job search.

Cambridge has a strong job market for Respiratory Therapists. Many employers are actively looking for talent. Read on to learn how to land your next role.

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Cambridge

Entry Level
$78,540
Median
$113,400
Senior Level
$154,560

Respiratory Therapist salaries in Cambridge are 68% above the national average, reflecting the high cost of living.

Purchasing power in Cambridge is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

Required Skills

Respiratory CareVentilator ManagementPatient AssessmentEmergency ResponseDocumentation

Respiratory Therapist Job Market in Cambridge

Cambridge, MA is a growing job market with increasing opportunities for Respiratory Therapist professionals. Though smaller than coastal metros, Cambridge offers focused opportunities and often better work-life balance. The city's strong Technology and Biotechnology sectors create robust demand for Respiratory Therapist talent. The market for Respiratory Therapist positions remains stable, with opportunities in both established companies and growing organizations.

Top Companies Hiring Respiratory Therapists in Cambridge

City of CambridgeMBTAMIT

Major employers hiring Respiratory Therapists in Cambridge include City of Cambridge, MBTA, MIT. With major hospital systems and research institutions, Cambridge offers excellent opportunities for healthcare professionals at all career stages. Many companies offer competitive benefits including comprehensive healthcare, and professional development opportunities.

Cost of Living for Respiratory Therapists in Cambridge

Living in Cambridge as a Respiratory Therapist means navigating a cost of living that's significantly above the national average (168% of baseline). Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $2,900/month (61% above the national average of $1,800). Housing costs are manageable for Respiratory Therapist salaries in the area. Suburban apartments average $2,200/month, offering significant savings with slightly longer commutes.

168
Cost Index (100=avg)
$2.9K
Avg Rent/Month
Yes
Tech Hub
Tier 3
Market Size

Commuting as a Respiratory Therapist in Cambridge

Cambridge Limited public transit options; car recommended for most commutes. The average commute time is 25 minutes. Research employer-specific shuttle services. Consider living close to your workplace. Since transit options are limited, consider living close to your workplace or negotiating flexible hours to avoid peak traffic.

Best neighborhoods for Respiratory Therapists in Cambridge: Downtown (Central business district with tech companies); Tech Park/Campus (Suburban office park developments). Downtown is particularly popular among Respiratory Therapist professionals due to proximity to major employers and urban amenities.

Tax Considerations in Massachusetts

Massachusetts has moderate state income taxes. When evaluating offers, consider total compensation including benefits, not just base salary. Local cost of living typically has more impact on your finances than state tax differences.

Career Outlook for Respiratory Therapists

The job outlook for Respiratory Therapists in Cambridge is stable. While not experiencing rapid growth, the field maintains steady demand with consistent opportunities for qualified professionals. While the market is smaller, Cambridge offers opportunities for those seeking specialized roles or better work-life balance. In-demand skills include Respiratory Care, Ventilator Management, Patient Assessment, Emergency Response.

Relocating to Cambridge

Cambridge has a very high cost of living. Many Respiratory Therapists negotiate relocation packages or sign-on bonuses to offset moving costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Respiratory Therapist salary in Cambridge, MA?

The average Respiratory Therapist salary in Cambridge, MA is $113,400 per year. Entry-level Respiratory Therapists typically start around $78,540, while experienced professionals can earn $154,560 or more. The national average for Respiratory Therapist roles is $67,500.

How many Respiratory Therapist jobs are available in Cambridge?

Cambridge has a growing job market with steady opportunities for Respiratory Therapist professionals. Major employers hiring Respiratory Therapists include City of Cambridge, MBTA, MIT. The Technology and Biotechnology sectors drive much of the demand in this market.

Is Cambridge a good city for Respiratory Therapists?

Cambridge is an excellent choice for Respiratory Therapists. While not as large as coastal metros, it offers solid opportunities and often better work-life balance. However, be aware of the higher cost of living when evaluating offers. The city's technology industry creates strong demand for healthcare professionals.

What skills are most in-demand for Respiratory Therapists in Cambridge?

Top skills for Respiratory Therapists in Cambridge include Respiratory Care, Ventilator Management, Patient Assessment, Emergency Response, Documentation. Employers value both technical expertise and soft skills like communication and teamwork.

What is the cost of living for Respiratory Therapists in Cambridge?

Cambridge's cost of living is significantly above the national average (168% of baseline). Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $2,900/month. Purchasing power in Cambridge is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

How is the commute for Respiratory Therapists in Cambridge?

Cambridge Limited public transit options; car recommended for most commutes. The average commute is 25 minutes. Research employer-specific shuttle services.

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