Respiratory Therapist Salary in Texas (2026)
Texas respiratory therapists earn a mean of $81,010/yr (BLS OEWS May 2025), 7% below the national mean of $87,300.
Mean: $81,010Median: $79,540Hourly: $38.95/hrEmployed: 12,130
Texas vs National Average
Texas Mean$81,010
National Mean$87,300
Percentile range in Texas: $61,310 (10th) to $99,690 (90th).
Cost of Living Context
Texas has a cost of living index of 92 (national baseline: 100). The COL-adjusted salary equivalent is approximately $88,100, representing the purchasing power of this salary in a hypothetical average-cost US market. The below-average cost of living significantly boosts the effective purchasing power of the salary.
Texas Metro Area Breakdown
BLS OEWS May 2025 mean annual wages by metropolitan statistical area.
#1Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington
$86,680#2Austin-Round Rock-Georgetown
$85,370#3Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land
$81,170#4San Antonio-New Braunfels
$79,130#5El Paso
$75,430Top RT Employers in Texas
Memorial Hermann Health System
Baylor Scott & White Health
Texas Health Resources
HCA Healthcare (many Texas hospitals)
University of Texas Medical Branch
Methodist Health System
Texas Licensure Requirements
- Licensing Board
- Texas Medical Board
- Initial Fee
- $200 initial application
- CE Hours Required
- 30 hours per 2-year renewal
- Renewal Cycle
- Every 2 years
All Texas 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: Texas
How much do entry-level RTs earn in Texas?
New graduate RTs in Houston and Dallas typically earn $60,000 to $70,000. San Antonio and Austin positions start $5,000 to $10,000 lower than the major metro average. Texas has a lower raw salary than California or New York, but the low cost of living means the purchasing power is competitive. The COL-adjusted $88,100 is near the national top 10.
Which Texas metro pays RTs the most?
Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington leads Texas metros at $86,680 mean annual (BLS OEWS May 2025), followed by Austin-Round Rock-Georgetown at $85,370 and Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land at $81,170. The large concentration of Level I trauma centers and children's hospitals across the major metros drives RT demand and pay higher than other Texas markets.
Does Texas require the RRT credential?
Texas requires RTs to be licensed by the Texas Medical Board. Eligibility requires passing the NBRC TMC exam (CRT or RRT level). Most major Texas hospital systems now require the RRT for all new clinical hires, though some home health and long-term care employers still accept CRT.
Is Texas a good state for travel RTs?
Yes. Texas is one of the top assignment states for travel RTs due to the large number of hospitals, stable demand, and major medical complexes in Houston and DFW. Travel packages in Houston typically run $1,900 to $2,500 per week. The absence of state income tax makes Texas one of the highest net-pay travel destinations.