HealthcareUpdated Q1 2026

Respiratory Therapist Salary
in Rockville, MD

Assess and treat patients with breathing disorders including asthma and COPD. Median salary in Rockville: $107K/year. Data from BLS, O*NET, and H-1B disclosures.

Median salary
$107K
per year
Take-home: $69K

Salary range in Rockville

Entry level (25th)$86,000
Median (50th)$107,000
Senior (75th)$133,000
Top earner (90th)$166,000
Data freshness

Figures represent annual base salary in Rockville, Maryland. Reviewed by SalaryOptics Editorial · How we calculate this →

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What the numbers say for Rockville

Analysis derived from the salary, COL, tax, and labor-market figures above — specific to this role and city.

49% premium vs national median

Respiratory Therapists in Rockville earn approximately 49% higher than the US national median for this role — a $35,000 premium on annual base salary. This reflects Rockville's position as a higher-cost labor market where employers must match local wage norms.

Rent eats 42% of take-home

Average 1-bedroom rent in Rockville ($2,400/mo) consumes approximately 42% of an after-tax median Respiratory Therapist salary. Financial planners typically recommend keeping housing under 30% of take-home — a salary at the 75th percentile ($133K) brings that ratio into a more comfortable range here.

Primarily on-site role

Only 5% of Respiratory Therapist positions offer remote flexibility, meaning the Rockville salary above represents what local employers actually pay — not a remote-anywhere rate. Geographic constraints reinforce the local market, so the salary range above is more directly applicable than for remote-friendly roles.

Key facts for Rockville

Median salary
$107K
annual
Take-home pay
$69K
after fed/state tax
COL index
148
100 = US avg
State income tax
5.75%
effective rate
Avg 1BR rent
$2,400
per month
YoY growth
+3.8%
salary trend

Salary forecast: Rockville Respiratory Therapist to 2030

Based on BLS 2022–2032 Employment Projections and WEF Future of Jobs Report 2026. At current growth rates, median salary reaches $107K by 2030.

Salary trend & forecast — Rockville

Historical (2019–2025) + projected to 2030 based on BLS growth rates

HistoricalProjected
Respiratory Therapist salary trend 2019–2030PROJECTED →$90K$98K$106K$113K$121K201920212023202520272029
2026
$110K
projected
2027
$112K
projected
2028
$115K
projected
2029
$118K
projected
2030
$121K
projected

Projections based on BLS Employment Projections 2022–2032 CAGR and WEF Jobs Report 2025. Not financial advice.

YearProjected median salaryvs today
2027 projected$107,000+$0
2028 projected$107,000+$0
2029 projected$107,000+$0
2030 projected$107,000+$0

Projections use compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from BLS occupational outlook data. Actual salaries may vary.

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Respiratory Therapist Salary in Rockville, Maryland: Complete Guide (2026)

The median Respiratory Therapist salary in Rockville, MD is $107,000 per year as of Q1 2026. This figure represents the midpoint of all reported compensation for this role in the Rockville–MD metropolitan area, based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics, H-1B visa disclosures from the Department of Labor, and O*NET occupational data.

Salary range for Respiratory Therapist in Rockville

Entry-level Respiratory Therapists in Rockville with 0–2 years of experience typically earn between $86,000 and $107,000 annually. Mid-career professionals with 3–7 years command $107,000 to $133,000, while senior-level practitioners with 8+ years of experience regularly earn $133,000 to $166,000 or more.

Cost of living in Rockville for Respiratory Therapists

Rockville has a cost of living index of 148 compared to the US national average of 100. Rockville's cost of living is above the US average, so the salary figures above reflect local market rates. Maryland has a 5.75% state income tax rate.

Education requirements for Respiratory Therapist

Associate's or Bachelor's in Respiratory Therapy; RRT credential. 5% of these roles offer some remote flexibility.

Respiratory Therapist salary in nearby cities

CityMedian salaryCOL index
Rockville (current)$107K148
Baltimore$85K115
Frederick$83K115
Bethesda$119K165