Respiratory Therapist Jobs in Denver, CO

Denver, Colorado$86,400 USD/yearFull-timeTech Hub
Updated: April 2026Expert reviewed|Data sourced from BLS, Glassdoor, and industry reports

About Respiratory Therapist Jobs in Denver

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

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.

Denver 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 Denver

Entry Level
$59,840
Median
$86,400
Senior Level
$117,760

Respiratory Therapist salaries in Denver are 28% above the national average, reflecting the competitive local market.

Purchasing power in Denver 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 Denver

Denver, CO is one of America's premier job markets for Respiratory Therapist professionals. As a mid-sized metro with 716K residents, Denver balances career opportunities with quality of life. The city's strong Technology and Aerospace 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 Denver

UCHealthSCL HealthDenver HealthChildren's Hospital Colorado

Major employers hiring Respiratory Therapists in Denver include UCHealth, SCL Health, Denver Health, Children's Hospital Colorado. With major hospital systems and research institutions, Denver 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 Denver

Living in Denver as a Respiratory Therapist means navigating a cost of living that's above the national average at 128% of baseline. 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 $1,500/month, offering significant savings with slightly longer commutes.

128
Cost Index (100=avg)
$1.9K
Avg Rent/Month
Yes
Tech Hub
Tier 1
Market Size

Commuting as a Respiratory Therapist in Denver

Denver RTD light rail system, bus network, and commuter rail to airport. The average commute time is 27 minutes. Light rail reaches major employment centers including DTC. A Line connects downtown to Denver International Airport.

Best neighborhoods for Respiratory Therapists in Denver: LoDo (Lower Downtown) (Historic district with tech startups); RiNo (River North) (Trendy area with tech companies); Denver Tech Center (Suburban tech campus corridor). LoDo (Lower Downtown) is particularly popular among Respiratory Therapist professionals due to proximity to major employers and urban amenities.

Tax Considerations in Colorado

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Respiratory Therapist salary in Denver, CO?

The average Respiratory Therapist salary in Denver, CO is $86,400 per year. Entry-level Respiratory Therapists typically start around $59,840, while experienced professionals can earn $117,760 or more. The national average for Respiratory Therapist roles is $67,500.

How many Respiratory Therapist jobs are available in Denver?

Denver has a robust job market with hundreds of openings for Respiratory Therapist professionals. Major employers hiring Respiratory Therapists include UCHealth, SCL Health, Denver Health, Children's Hospital Colorado. The Technology and Aerospace sectors drive much of the demand in this market.

Is Denver a good city for Respiratory Therapists?

Denver 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 Denver?

Top skills for Respiratory Therapists in Denver 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 Denver?

Denver's cost of living is above the national average (128% of baseline). Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,900/month. Purchasing power in Denver is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

How is the commute for Respiratory Therapists in Denver?

Denver RTD light rail system, bus network, and commuter rail to airport. The average commute is 27 minutes. Light rail reaches major employment centers including DTC.

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