Respiratory Therapists Salary in Wisconsin

Respiratory therapists in Wisconsin earn the most in Milwaukee (average $90,430 a year) and the least in Kenosha ($80,010), across the 8 Wisconsin metro areas we cover. Statewide, BLS puts the respiratory therapists average at $86,230 and the median at $84,210 for 1,940 workers. The U.S. average for this job is $87,300.

Respiratory Therapists average salary by city in Wisconsin

Milwaukee$90,430
Racine$88,000
Appleton$87,710
Madison$86,260
Janesville$84,180
Eau Claire$83,310
Green Bay$83,020
Kenosha$80,010

Pay, take-home pay and cost of living

City	Average	Median	25th pct.	Take-home*	Cost of living
Milwaukee	$90,430	$89,040	$83,540	$68,588	97
Racine	$88,000	$86,460	$79,240	$67,023	96
Appleton	$87,710	$84,300	$79,910	$66,836	92
Madison	$86,260	$81,530	$80,520	$65,902	97
Janesville	$84,180	$81,600	$80,120	$64,562	94
Eau Claire	$83,310	$80,900	$74,960	$64,002	93
Green Bay	$83,020	$82,300	$78,150	$63,815	93
Kenosha	$80,010	$77,570	$77,570	$61,876	101

*Average salary after federal and state taxes for a single filer. Cost of living: BEA price parity, U.S. = 100.

Respiratory Therapists salary in other states

Respiratory Therapists salary by city and state

More about pay in Wisconsin

Sources and how to read this page

Wages: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates for metropolitan areas. SOC code 29-1126.
U.S. and statewide figures: BLS OEWS national and state estimates, May 2025, every employer including rural areas.
Cost of living: Bureau of Economic Analysis regional price parities (RPP), 2024; 100 = U.S. average.

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