Respiratory Therapist Jobs in Austin, TX

Austin, Texas$69,525 USD/yearFull-timeTech Hub
Updated: April 2026Expert reviewed|Data sourced from BLS, Glassdoor, and industry reports

About Respiratory Therapist Jobs in Austin

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

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.

Austin 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 Austin

Entry Level
$48,153
Median
$69,525
Senior Level
$94,760

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

Purchasing power in Austin 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 Austin

Austin, TX is one of America's premier job markets for Respiratory Therapist professionals. As a mid-sized metro with 979K residents, Austin balances career opportunities with quality of life. The city's strong Technology and Government 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 Austin

Ascension SetonSt. David'sBaylor Scott & WhiteDell Medical School

Major employers hiring Respiratory Therapists in Austin include Ascension Seton, St. David's, Baylor Scott & White, Dell Medical School. With major hospital systems and research institutions, Austin 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 Austin

Living in Austin 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 $1,800/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.

103
Cost Index (100=avg)
$1.8K
Avg Rent/Month
Yes
Tech Hub
Tier 1
Market Size

Commuting as a Respiratory Therapist in Austin

Austin Limited rail, bus system; very car-dependent city. The average commute time is 26 minutes. Austin traffic has gotten worse with population growth. Living close to work or in urban core reduces commute stress. 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 Austin: Downtown (Oracle, Google, and tech headquarters); East Austin (Creative tech and startup scene); Domain (Apple, Amazon, and tech campus development). Downtown is particularly popular among Respiratory Therapist professionals due to proximity to major employers and urban amenities.

Tax Considerations in Texas

Texas has no state income tax. Compared to a state with 5% income tax, a Respiratory Therapist earning $69,525 would save approximately $3,476 annually. This makes Austin attractive for high earners, though property taxes and sales tax help fund state services.

Career Outlook for Respiratory Therapists

The job outlook for Respiratory Therapists in Austin is stable. While not experiencing rapid growth, the field maintains steady demand with consistent opportunities for qualified professionals. As a Tier 1 market, Austin typically has more openings but also more competition from experienced professionals. In-demand skills include Respiratory Care, Ventilator Management, Patient Assessment, Emergency Response.

Relocating to Austin

Texas has no state income tax, which can add thousands to your annual take-home pay compared to high-tax states like California or New York. Be prepared for hot summers. Air conditioning is essential, and outdoor activities shift to mornings and evenings during summer months.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Respiratory Therapist salary in Austin, TX?

The average Respiratory Therapist salary in Austin, TX is $69,525 per year. Entry-level Respiratory Therapists typically start around $48,153, while experienced professionals can earn $94,760 or more. The national average for Respiratory Therapist roles is $67,500.

How many Respiratory Therapist jobs are available in Austin?

Austin has a robust job market with hundreds of openings for Respiratory Therapist professionals. Major employers hiring Respiratory Therapists include Ascension Seton, St. David's, Baylor Scott & White, Dell Medical School. The Technology and Government sectors drive much of the demand in this market.

Is Austin a good city for Respiratory Therapists?

Austin is an excellent 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 technology industry creates strong demand for healthcare professionals.

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

Top skills for Respiratory Therapists in Austin 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 Austin?

Austin's cost of living is near the national average (103% of baseline). Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,800/month. Purchasing power in Austin is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

How is the commute for Respiratory Therapists in Austin?

Austin Limited rail, bus system; very car-dependent city. The average commute is 26 minutes. Austin traffic has gotten worse with population growth.

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