RateOrchard
METRO DATA PROFILE · 2024

Respiratory Therapists salary in Virginia Beach, Virginia

Metro-level median, range, and employment from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics for the Virginia Beach 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$79,960
Mean annual$85,040
Range (10th to 90th)$64,390 to $100,690
Virginia Beach, Virginia employment600
State vs national-3.5% vs national

Salary distribution

Where Virginia Beach respiratory therapists fall on the wage curve.

Annual wage distribution

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

10TH$64,39025TH$77,110MEDIAN$79,96075TH$93,75090TH$100,690

The middle 50% of workers earn between $77,110 and $93,750, with a median of $79,960.

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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Other metros in Virginia

How the Virginia Beach metro compares to other major Virginia metro areas for respiratory therapists.

Frequently asked questions

What is the median salary for Respiratory Therapists in Virginia Beach, Virginia?
According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Respiratory Therapists in the Virginia Beach metropolitan area is $79,960.
Does Virginia Beach pay more than the Virginia state average for Respiratory Therapists?
The Virginia Beach metro median is +0.5% versus the Virginia state median of $79,600.
How does Virginia Beach compare to the national median for Respiratory Therapists?
The Virginia Beach metro median is -3.5% versus the BLS national figure of $82,897.
What is the salary range for Respiratory Therapists in Virginia Beach?
BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $64,390 and the 90th-percentile at $100,690 for the Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach 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.