Respiratory Therapist Jobs in Virginia Beach, VA

Virginia Beach, Virginia$68,850 USD/yearFull-time
Updated: April 2026Expert reviewed|Data sourced from BLS, Glassdoor, and industry reports

About Respiratory Therapist Jobs in Virginia Beach

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

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.

Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach

Entry Level
$47,685
Median
$68,850
Senior Level
$93,840

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

Purchasing power in Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach, VA is a growing job market with increasing opportunities for Respiratory Therapist professionals. Though smaller than coastal metros, Virginia Beach offers focused opportunities and often better work-life balance. The city's strong Defense and Tourism 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 Virginia Beach

Local hospital systemsRegional healthcare networksPrivate medical groups

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

Living in Virginia Beach as a Respiratory Therapist means navigating a cost of living that's slightly above 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.

102
Cost Index (100=avg)
$1.8K
Avg Rent/Month
Growing
Tech Hub
Tier 3
Market Size

Commuting as a Respiratory Therapist in Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach: 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 Virginia

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Respiratory Therapist salary in Virginia Beach, VA?

The average Respiratory Therapist salary in Virginia Beach, VA is $68,850 per year. Entry-level Respiratory Therapists typically start around $47,685, while experienced professionals can earn $93,840 or more. The national average for Respiratory Therapist roles is $67,500.

How many Respiratory Therapist jobs are available in Virginia Beach?

Virginia Beach 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 Defense and Tourism sectors drive much of the demand in this market.

Is Virginia Beach a good city for Respiratory Therapists?

Virginia Beach 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 cost of living is reasonable compared to major coastal cities. The city's defense industry creates strong demand for healthcare professionals.

What skills are most in-demand for Respiratory Therapists in Virginia Beach?

Top skills for Respiratory Therapists in Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach?

Virginia Beach's cost of living is near the national average (102% of baseline). Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,800/month. Purchasing power in Virginia Beach is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

How is the commute for Respiratory Therapists in Virginia Beach?

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

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