US
Ann Arbor, MI
Michigan salary market
$92.7K
Avg / Year
+15% vs U.S.
vs National
390
Employment
$7.7K
Monthly Avg
Updated for 2026

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Ann Arbor, MI (2026)

The Respiratory Therapist salary in Ann Arbor, MI for 2026 is presented as a modeled salary benchmark built from the latest official BLS wage baseline, then extended with wage trend history, employment outlook, and tech-market signals where available. This guide compares the Ann Arbor, MI market with the U.S. baseline and breaks projected pay down by experience, skills, industry, and nearby markets.

Official BLS baseline: 2024Ann Arbor, MI city pageModeled salary guide10 min read
City Average
$92.7K
per year
Entry Level
$80.6K
starting range
Senior Level
$104K
upper local band
Remote / Hybrid
$94.5K
modeled local premium
Monthly
$7.7K
avg before tax
Hourly Rate
$39
median equivalent
Salary figures projected to 2026  from May 2024BLS OEWS baseline  ·  Projections use wage history, employment outlook, and tech-market signals where available
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Respiratory Therapist Salary Overview in Ann Arbor, MI

Careerclev's modeled 2026 benchmark places Respiratory Therapist pay in Ann Arbor, MI at about $92,689.0 per year. On the latest official BLS baseline for this market, the lower local range starts near $71,020.0, while the strongest-paid professionals can reach about $91,380.0.

Salary estimates are based on data from the Ann Arbor, Mi metropolitan area.

If you’re comparing Respiratory Therapist salaries in Ann Arbor, MI, the real story isn’t just the headline number. Local employer mix, seniority, specialization, and whether the role is remote, hybrid, or onsite can push compensation well above or below the local median.

Ann Arbor, MI vs. U.S. National Average

Ann Arbor, MI pays +15% vs u.s. for Respiratory Therapist roles. The difference is driven by local employer demand, industry mix, cost pressures, and how concentrated this role is in the underlying metro labor market.

United States National Average
$80.5K
all U.S. markets combined
+15%
Ann Arbor, MI Premium
Ann Arbor, MI City Average
$92.7K
Respiratory Therapist
MarketProjected Salaryvs Ann Arbor, MIMarket Maturity
Ann Arbor, MI (this guide)$92,689.0BaselineLocal market
United States$80,450.0-13% vs U.S.National baseline
Jackson, MI$82,840.0-11% vs U.S.Comparable city
Battle Creek, MI$78,520.0-15% vs U.S.Comparable city
Detroit, MI$78,160.0-16% vs U.S.Comparable city
Why Ann Arbor, MI pay differsThe strongest city salary premiums usually appear where employers compete for specialized talent, where the role is concentrated, and where local costs make compensation harder to hold down.

Respiratory Therapist Salary by Experience Level in Ann Arbor, MI

Experience changes the local salary picture quickly because employers usually pay for independence, specialization, and broader scope, not just years on paper. In Ann Arbor, MI, this breakdown shows how aRespiratory Therapist can move from early-career pay into stronger bands as the role becomes more self-directed.

Entry-Level
0-2 years
$92.7K
$45/hr median equivalent
$80.6K - $92.7K
Mid-Level
3-5 years
$92.7K
$45/hr median equivalent
$92.7K - $104K
Senior
6-10 years
$104K
$45/hr median equivalent
$92.7K - $104K
Lead / Principal
10+ years
$104K
$45/hr median equivalent
$104K - $126K
LevelExperienceProjected SalaryProjected RangeMarket Signal
Entry-Level Respiratory Therapist0-2 years$92,689.0$80,553.0 - $92,689.0+15% vs U.S.
Mid-Level Respiratory Therapist3-5 years$92,689.0$92,689.0 - $103,646+15% vs U.S.
Senior Respiratory Therapist6-10 years$103,646$92,689.0 - $103,646+29% vs U.S.
Lead / Principal Respiratory Therapist10+ years$103,646$103,646 - $126,448+29% vs U.S.
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Best Salary Areas Near Ann Arbor, MI

Nearby metro areas help show how Respiratory Therapist pay changes around Ann Arbor, MI. Each market reflects its own employer mix, local demand, and industry concentration, making these comparisons useful for candidates weighing their location options.

#1
Ann Arbor, MI
$92.7K
avg / year
Salary estimates are based on data from the Ann Arbor, Mi metropolitan area.
This guide
#2
Jackson, MI
$82.8K
avg / year
Nearby labor market benchmark for comparing Respiratory Therapist salaries around Ann Arbor, MI.
-11% vs U.S.
#3
Battle Creek, MI
$78.5K
avg / year
Nearby labor market benchmark for comparing Respiratory Therapist salaries around Ann Arbor, MI.
-15% vs U.S.
#4
Detroit, MI
$78.2K
avg / year
Nearby labor market benchmark for comparing Respiratory Therapist salaries around Ann Arbor, MI.
-16% vs U.S.
#5
Niles, MI
$77.3K
avg / year
Nearby labor market benchmark for comparing Respiratory Therapist salaries around Ann Arbor, MI.
-17% vs U.S.

Respiratory Therapist Salary by Industry in Ann Arbor, MI

Industry premiums in Ann Arbor, MI usually come from employers that place the Respiratory Therapist role close to revenue, infrastructure, compliance, product delivery, or other high-value work. National industry data gives the best available benchmark until local industry slices are available.

IndustryModeled SalaryReference RangeSignal
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services$95,680.0$73,360.0 - $140,570Stronger salary
Administrative, Support, Waste Management, and Remediation Services$90,500.0$41,110.0 - $188,630Stronger salary
Educational Services$83,630.0$68,900.0 - $101,390Stronger salary
Health Care and Social Assistance$80,650.0$62,480.0 - $108,300Competitive
Government, Schools, Hospitals, and Postal Service$79,320.0$60,840.0 - $107,830Competitive
Management of Companies and Enterprises$76,220.0$51,930.0 - $172,480Competitive
Government Excluding Schools, Hospitals, and Postal Service$73,740.0$54,430.0 - $98,850.0Competitive
Wholesale Trade$72,510.0$55,100.0 - $102,250Competitive

Entry-Level Respiratory Therapist Salary in Ann Arbor, MI

Entry-level Respiratory Therapist jobs in Ann Arbor, MI are modeled around the lower local wage percentiles. Candidates who can show practical projects, job-ready tools, and strong fundamentals usually have a better path into the middle of the local salary range.

For a broader starting-pay benchmark beyond this city market, see the entry-level Respiratory Therapist salary guide.

Entry estimateA reasonable entry-level salary benchmark for Respiratory Therapist roles in Ann Arbor, MI is about $92,689.0.
Preparation pathJob Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed. Typical education: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. Training signal: Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

Remote vs Onsite Respiratory Therapist Pay in Ann Arbor, MI

Remote work can widen the employer pool for Respiratory Therapist candidates in Ann Arbor, MI. Onsite and hybrid roles may still pay more when employers need local availability, local clients, regulated work, or team coverage.

Local Onsite Role
$92,689.0
avg local employer
Hybrid Role
$94,542.8
modeled local premium
+2% local avg
Work TypeEstimated SalaryExperienceBest FitFlexibility
Remote$90,835.2Market dependentNational hiring poolsHigh
Hybrid$94,542.8Metro dependentAnn Arbor, MI employersMedium
Onsite$92,689.0Location dependentLocal teams and operationsLower

Cost of Living vs Salary in Ann Arbor, MI

A salary in Ann Arbor, MI should be read alongside housing, commuting, tax, and everyday costs. The same annual pay can feel very different at entry, mid-level, and senior levels.

Monthly Expense
Entry
Mid
Senior
Housing / rent
$1.2K
$1.7K
$2.2K
Transport / commute
$270.3
$309.0
$347.6
Food and groceries
$579.3
$617.9
$695.2
Utilities and internet
$270.3
$309.0
$347.6
Estimated remainder
$2.6K
$4.0K
$4.9K
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Top Employers Hiring Respiratory Therapists in Ann Arbor, MI

Employer mix is one of the biggest city-level salary drivers. The industries below highlight where Respiratory Therapist pay tends to be strongest in Ann Arbor, MI, based on the sectors that create the most hiring demand for this role.

1
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services employers
$95.7K
Industry benchmark for Respiratory Therapist roles where local employer demand can lift salaries.
2
Administrative, Support, Waste Management, and Remediation Services employers
$90.5K
Industry benchmark for Respiratory Therapist roles where local employer demand can lift salaries.
3
Educational Services employers
$83.6K
Industry benchmark for Respiratory Therapist roles where local employer demand can lift salaries.
4
Health Care and Social Assistance employers
$80.7K
Industry benchmark for Respiratory Therapist roles where local employer demand can lift salaries.
5
Government, Schools, Hospitals, and Postal Service employers
$79.3K
Industry benchmark for Respiratory Therapist roles where local employer demand can lift salaries.
6
Management of Companies and Enterprises employers
$76.2K
Industry benchmark for Respiratory Therapist roles where local employer demand can lift salaries.

Ann Arbor, MI Compared With Other U.S. Cities

This comparison is useful when one city salary number is not enough on its own. It shows whetherAnn Arbor, MI is genuinely a stronger-paying market for Respiratory Therapist work or whether the local benchmark sits closer to the broader national middle.

Ann Arbor, MI
This guide
$92.7K
Baseline
Jackson, MI
Nearby U.S. market
$82.8K
-11% vs U.S.
Battle Creek, MI
Nearby U.S. market
$78.5K
-15% vs U.S.
Detroit, MI
Nearby U.S. market
$78.2K
-16% vs U.S.
Niles, MI
Nearby U.S. market
$77.3K
-17% vs U.S.
Grand Rapids, MI
Nearby U.S. market
$77.2K
-17% vs U.S.
Flint, MI
Nearby U.S. market
$75.1K
-19% vs U.S.

Career Growth Opportunities in Ann Arbor, MI

Local career growth is strongest when it is read through both the city salary ladder and the broader national demand outlook. The city salary benchmark shows what this market currently pays, while the career path and BLS demand data show how that benchmark can expand with scope and responsibility.

1
Intern / Trainee
$46.7K - $62.8K
Progression at this step usually reflects broader ownership, stronger specialization, and higher-value outcomes.
2
Junior
$57.9K - $76.4K
Progression at this step usually reflects broader ownership, stronger specialization, and higher-value outcomes.
3
Mid Level
$72.4K - $90.1K
Progression at this step usually reflects broader ownership, stronger specialization, and higher-value outcomes.
4
Senior
$86.9K - $113K
Progression at this step usually reflects broader ownership, stronger specialization, and higher-value outcomes.
5
Lead
$103K - $130K
Progression at this step usually reflects broader ownership, stronger specialization, and higher-value outcomes.
6
Principal / Architect
$121K - $165K
Progression at this step usually reflects broader ownership, stronger specialization, and higher-value outcomes.
BLS Demand SignalEmployment is projected to change by 12.1% from 2024 to 2034.
Much faster than averageAnnual openings: 8.8 thousand.
Metric2026 Outlook
Projected employment139.6k → 156.4k
Typical educationMost occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Related experiencePrevious work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Local market anchor390 jobs with a median of $92,689.0

Factors Affecting Respiratory Therapist Salary in Ann Arbor, MI

Local pay rarely moves for one reason alone. In city markets, the biggest differences usually come from employer concentration, industry mix, seniority, and whether the role is tied to business-critical work that is harder to staff.

Years of Experience
Salary usually rises as the role moves from entry-level execution to independent ownership, mentoring, and broader decision-making.
Location and Cost of Living
Local salary ranges vary by labor market, employer density, and household-income context.
Industry
Industry pay can vary when employers in higher-margin or harder-to-staff sectors compete for the same occupation.
Specialized Skills
O*NET marks high-demand role-specific skills as relevant skills for this role, making them useful anchors for specialization and salary-growth content.

How to Increase Your Respiratory Therapist Salary in Ann Arbor, MI

In city markets, salary growth often comes from better positioning as much as from patience. These moves are most useful when you already understand the local benchmark and want a clearer path beyond it.

1
Benchmark against stronger markets
Compare national, metro, and industry salary facts before negotiating so your target range is grounded in current wage data.
1-3 months timeline
2
Build a visible specialization
Prioritize skills such as high-demand role-specific skills; O*NET relevance scores make these good first candidates for portfolio and resume positioning.
3-9 months timeline
3
Target higher-paying industries
Use industry salary facts to identify sectors that already pay above the occupation baseline.
2-6 months timeline
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Respiratory Therapist Salary in Ann Arbor, MI: FAQs

These questions usually come up after readers compare the city benchmark, the statewide picture, and the local experience ladder. They help clarify how to read the market and what matters most when you compare this city with other options.

These FAQs focus on how readers searching for "Respiratory Therapist" usually compare local pay, employer mix, and market differences in this city.

What is the average Respiratory Therapist in Ann Arbor, MIs salary?
The latest national baseline for Respiratory Therapists is about $80,500 per year, based on the current BLS-derived salary facts in CareerClev.
What is the entry-level Respiratory Therapist in Ann Arbor, MIs salary?
Entry-level estimates for Respiratory Therapists are modeled around the lower BLS percentile range, currently about $61,900 per year nationally.
How much can senior Respiratory Therapist in Ann Arbor, MIs professionals earn?
Senior Respiratory Therapists estimates are modeled from upper percentile wage bands and currently sit around $95,500 per year nationally.
Does location affect Respiratory Therapist in Ann Arbor, MIs salary?
Yes. CareerClev stores salary facts by national, state, and metro locations, so location-specific pages should use the closest available geography instead of a single national number.
Which skills matter for Respiratory Therapist in Ann Arbor, MIs salary growth?
CareerClev uses O*NET skill importance and level scores to identify role-relevant skills. These are useful for recommendations, but should not be presented as measured salary premiums unless enriched compensation data exists.
Data
Data Sources & MethodologyUpdated using 2024 BLS OEWS salary facts, O*NET occupation-skill data, Census location context where available, ILOSTAT country benchmarks where mapped, BLS Employment Projections where imported, and Stack Overflow Developer Survey enrichment for mapped tech roles.
Salary figures use BLS OEWS wage facts for 2024. City pages use the BLS metropolitan area as the salary dataset, display the largest city as the public page name, and model experience bands from local wage percentiles.
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