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METRO DATA PROFILE · 2024

Respiratory Therapists salary in Denver, Colorado

Metro-level median, range, and employment from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics for the Denver metropolitan area. Skills and task data from O*NET. State and national figures shown for context.

Adrian Serafin, founder and editor of RateOrchardBy Adrian SerafinFounderUpdated April 30, 2026
Median annual$81,490
Mean annual$82,300
Range (10th to 90th)$62,890 to $101,630
Denver, Colorado employment1,090
State vs national-1.7% vs national

Salary distribution

Where Denver respiratory therapists fall on the wage curve.

Annual wage distribution

Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)

10TH$62,89025TH$71,230MEDIAN$81,49075TH$96,21090TH$101,630

The middle 50% of workers earn between $71,230 and $96,210, with a median of $81,490.

Typical entry

  • Education

    Associate's degree

  • Experience

    None

  • On-the-job training

    None

Top skills (O*NET)

  • Customer and Personal Service

    Knowledge

    4.3 / 5
  • Medicine and Dentistry

    Knowledge

    4.3 / 5
  • Oral Expression

    Ability

    4.0 / 5
  • Problem Sensitivity

    Ability

    4.0 / 5
  • Inductive Reasoning

    Ability

    4.0 / 5
  • English Language

    Knowledge

    3.9 / 5
  • Critical Thinking

    Cross-functional

    3.9 / 5
  • Active Listening

    Basic skill

    3.9 / 5

Common tasks (O*NET)

  1. 01

    Perform endotracheal intubation to maintain open airways for patients who are unable to breathe on their own.

  2. 02

    Provide emergency care, such as artificial respiration, external cardiac massage, or assistance with cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

  3. 03

    Monitor patient's physiological responses to therapy, such as vital signs, arterial blood gases, or blood chemistry changes, and consult with physician if adverse reactions occur.

  4. 04

    Set up and operate devices, such as mechanical ventilators, therapeutic gas administration apparatus, environmental control systems, or aerosol generators, following specified parameters of treatment.

  5. 05

    Work as part of a team of physicians, nurses, or other healthcare professionals to manage patient care by assisting with medical procedures or related duties.

  6. 06

    Maintain charts that contain patients' pertinent identification and therapy information.

  7. 07

    Read prescription, measure arterial blood gases, and review patient information to assess patient condition.

  8. 08

    Relay blood analysis results to a physician.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the median salary for Respiratory Therapists in Denver, Colorado?
According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Respiratory Therapists in the Denver metropolitan area is $81,490.
Does Denver pay more than the Colorado state average for Respiratory Therapists?
The Denver metro median is +1.0% versus the Colorado state median of $80,690.
How does Denver compare to the national median for Respiratory Therapists?
The Denver metro median is -1.7% versus the BLS national figure of $82,897.
What is the salary range for Respiratory Therapists in Denver?
BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $62,890 and the 90th-percentile at $101,630 for the Denver metro area.
What education is required for Respiratory Therapists?
BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Associate's degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Disclaimer

Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the Denver CBSA boundary for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.