Respiratory Therapist Jobs in Philadelphia, PA

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania$68,850 USD/yearFull-time
Updated: April 2026Expert reviewed|Data sourced from BLS, Glassdoor, and industry reports

About Respiratory Therapist Jobs in Philadelphia

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

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.

Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia

Entry Level
$47,685
Median
$68,850
Senior Level
$93,840

Respiratory Therapist salaries in Philadelphia are in line with national averages, offering competitive compensation for the region.

Purchasing power in Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia

Philadelphia, PA is a major regional employment hub for Respiratory Therapist professionals. With a population of 1.6 million, the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington metro area offers diverse opportunities across multiple industries. The city's strong Healthcare and Education 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 Philadelphia

Penn MedicineJefferson HealthTemple HealthChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia

Major employers hiring Respiratory Therapists in Philadelphia include Penn Medicine, Jefferson Health, Temple Health, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. With major hospital systems and research institutions, Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia

Living in Philadelphia as a Respiratory Therapist means navigating a cost of living that's slightly above the national average. Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,900/month. Housing costs are manageable for Respiratory Therapist salaries in the area. Suburban apartments average $1,400/month, offering significant savings with slightly longer commutes.

102
Cost Index (100=avg)
$1.9K
Avg Rent/Month
Growing
Tech Hub
Tier 2
Market Size

Commuting as a Respiratory Therapist in Philadelphia

Philadelphia SEPTA subway, trolley, regional rail, and bus network. The average commute time is 32 minutes. Regional Rail connects to suburbs and New Jersey. Subway lines are efficient for Center City commutes.

Best neighborhoods for Respiratory Therapists in Philadelphia: 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 Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania 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 Philadelphia is stable. While not experiencing rapid growth, the field maintains steady demand with consistent opportunities for qualified professionals. Philadelphia's growing economy creates new positions regularly, often with less competition than coastal tech hubs. In-demand skills include Respiratory Care, Ventilator Management, Patient Assessment, Emergency Response.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Respiratory Therapist salary in Philadelphia, PA?

The average Respiratory Therapist salary in Philadelphia, PA is $68,850 per year. Entry-level Respiratory Therapists typically start around $47,685, while experienced professionals can earn $93,840 or more. The national average for Respiratory Therapist roles is $67,500.

How many Respiratory Therapist jobs are available in Philadelphia?

Philadelphia has a strong job market with regular openings for Respiratory Therapist professionals. Major employers hiring Respiratory Therapists include Penn Medicine, Jefferson Health, Temple Health, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. The Healthcare and Education sectors drive much of the demand in this market.

Is Philadelphia a good city for Respiratory Therapists?

Philadelphia is an very good choice for Respiratory Therapists. As a major metro area, it offers abundant opportunities and competitive salaries. The cost of living is reasonable compared to major coastal cities. The city's healthcare industry creates strong demand for healthcare professionals.

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

Top skills for Respiratory Therapists in Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia?

Philadelphia's cost of living is near the national average (102% of baseline). Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,900/month. Purchasing power in Philadelphia is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

How is the commute for Respiratory Therapists in Philadelphia?

Philadelphia SEPTA subway, trolley, regional rail, and bus network. The average commute is 32 minutes. Regional Rail connects to suburbs and New Jersey.

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