Respiratory Therapist Jobs in Rochester, NY

Rochester, New York$62,775 USD/yearFull-time
Updated: April 2026Expert reviewed|Data sourced from BLS, Glassdoor, and industry reports

About Respiratory Therapist Jobs in Rochester

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

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.

Rochester 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 Rochester

Entry Level
$43,478
Median
$62,775
Senior Level
$85,560

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

Purchasing power in Rochester 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 Rochester

Rochester, NY is a growing job market with increasing opportunities for Respiratory Therapist professionals. Though smaller than coastal metros, Rochester offers focused opportunities and often better work-life balance. The city's strong Healthcare and Education 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 Rochester

Local hospital systemsRegional healthcare networksPrivate medical groups

Major employers hiring Respiratory Therapists in Rochester include Local hospital systems, Regional healthcare networks, Private medical groups. With major hospital systems and research institutions, Rochester 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 Rochester

Living in Rochester as a Respiratory Therapist means navigating a cost of living that's close to 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.

93
Cost Index (100=avg)
$1.8K
Avg Rent/Month
Growing
Tech Hub
Tier 3
Market Size

Commuting as a Respiratory Therapist in Rochester

Rochester Limited public transit options; car recommended for most commutes. The average commute time is 25 minutes. Research employer-specific shuttle services. Consider living close to your workplace. 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 Rochester: Downtown (Central business district with tech companies); Tech Park/Campus (Suburban office park developments). Downtown is particularly popular among Respiratory Therapist professionals due to proximity to major employers and urban amenities.

Tax Considerations in New York

New York has relatively high state income taxes. A Respiratory Therapist earning $62,775 might pay approximately $5,022 in state income tax. However, New York's strong job market and quality of life often offset the higher tax burden.

Career Outlook for Respiratory Therapists

The job outlook for Respiratory Therapists in Rochester is stable. While not experiencing rapid growth, the field maintains steady demand with consistent opportunities for qualified professionals. While the market is smaller, Rochester offers opportunities for those seeking specialized roles or better work-life balance. In-demand skills include Respiratory Care, Ventilator Management, Patient Assessment, Emergency Response.

Relocating to Rochester

Rochester's affordable cost of living means your Respiratory Therapist salary will stretch further than in major coastal cities. Many professionals relocate here for better quality of life. New York has higher state income taxes. Factor this into salary negotiations, as gross salary comparisons can be misleading.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Respiratory Therapist salary in Rochester, NY?

The average Respiratory Therapist salary in Rochester, NY is $62,775 per year. Entry-level Respiratory Therapists typically start around $43,478, while experienced professionals can earn $85,560 or more. The national average for Respiratory Therapist roles is $67,500.

How many Respiratory Therapist jobs are available in Rochester?

Rochester has a growing job market with steady opportunities for Respiratory Therapist professionals. Major employers hiring Respiratory Therapists include Local hospital systems, Regional healthcare networks, Private medical groups. The Healthcare and Education sectors drive much of the demand in this market.

Is Rochester a good city for Respiratory Therapists?

Rochester is an solid choice for Respiratory Therapists. While not as large as coastal metros, it offers solid opportunities and often better work-life balance. The affordable cost of living means salaries go further than in more expensive markets. The city's healthcare industry creates strong demand for healthcare professionals.

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

Top skills for Respiratory Therapists in Rochester 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 Rochester?

Rochester's cost of living is near the national average (93% of baseline). Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,800/month. Purchasing power in Rochester is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

How is the commute for Respiratory Therapists in Rochester?

Rochester Limited public transit options; car recommended for most commutes. The average commute is 25 minutes. Research employer-specific shuttle services.

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