Respiratory Therapist Salary in Nevada (2026)
Nevada respiratory therapists earn a mean of $81,700/yr (BLS OES May 2024), 1% below the national mean of $82,430.
Mean: $81,700Median: $79,800Hourly: $39.28/hrEmployed: 1,400
Nevada vs National Average
Nevada Mean$81,700
National Mean$82,430
Percentile range in Nevada: $58,600 (10th) to $106,000 (90th).
Cost of Living Context
Nevada has a cost of living index of 101 (national baseline: 100). The COL-adjusted salary equivalent is approximately $80,900, representing the purchasing power of this salary in a hypothetical average-cost US market.
Nevada Metro Area Breakdown
BLS OES May 2024 mean annual wages by metropolitan statistical area.
#1Las Vegas-Henderson-Paradise
$82,400#2Reno-Sparks
$78,900Top RT Employers in Nevada
University Medical Center of Southern Nevada
Sunrise Hospital & Medical Center (HCA)
Valley Hospital Medical Center
Renown Health
Northern Nevada Medical Center
Nevada Licensure Requirements
- Licensing Board
- Nevada State Board of Medical Examiners - Respiratory Therapy
- Initial Fee
- $200 initial application
- CE Hours Required
- 12 hours per year (24 over 2-year renewal)
- Renewal Cycle
- Every 2 years
All Nevada applicants must hold an NBRC credential (CRT or RRT) and provide proof of completion of a CoARC-accredited programme. Background check required.
Frequently Asked Questions: Nevada
Why is Nevada considered good value for RTs?
Nevada's cost of living index (1.01) is nearly identical to the national average, meaning the $81,700 state mean translates directly to national purchasing power. Combined with no state income tax, Nevada RTs take home more after-tax than RTs in California or New York who earn a similar gross salary.
Which Nevada metro pays RTs the most?
Las Vegas leads at $82,400 mean annual (BLS May 2024), slightly above the Nevada state mean. The large number of HCA Healthcare facilities in Las Vegas drives consistent RT demand. Reno positions pay slightly less at $78,900 but benefit from proximity to California wages without California taxes.
Does Nevada require the RRT credential?
Nevada requires RTs to be licensed by the Nevada State Board of Medical Examiners. Licensure requires passing the NBRC TMC exam. Las Vegas hospital systems increasingly require the RRT for all new clinical hires; some long-term care and home health employers still accept CRT.
Is Nevada a good state for travel RTs?
Nevada, particularly Las Vegas, is a solid travel RT market. Pay packages run $1,900 to $2,400 per week. No state income tax significantly improves net take-home. The large volume of tourists means Nevada hospitals maintain higher-than-average year-round RT staffing levels with predictable demand.