If you’re thinking about lung health as a career in the Bayou City, you’ve probably heard the rumors. People say the Texas Medical Center is the promised land for healthcare wages. But then you look at a few job boards and see numbers that are all over the place. Honestly, figuring out a Houston respiratory therapist salary is kinda like trying to predict the Houston weather—it depends entirely on where you’re standing and what time of day it is.
The short version? You can make a very comfortable living here. But the "average" numbers you see on big aggregate sites often miss the nuance of shift differentials, specialty certs, and the sheer competitive gravity of the world's largest medical complex.
The Real Numbers for 2026
Let’s get the "official" stuff out of the way first. Most data as we head into 2026 puts the average Houston respiratory therapist salary somewhere between $73,000 and $82,000 annually.
If you’re looking at an hourly rate, you’re basically looking at $35 to $40 an hour for a mid-level Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT). Now, compare that to the national average of about $62,000, and you’ll see why people move here. You’re making significantly more than the national median while paying zero state income tax and (theoretically) enjoying a lower cost of living than the East or West coasts.
But "average" is a sneaky word.
An entry-level grad with a fresh license might start closer to $58,000 or $60,000. On the flip side, I’ve seen senior RRTs in specialized ICU roles at places like Memorial Hermann or MD Anderson pulling in north of $100,000 once you factor in overtime and "on-call" pay.
Experience and the "RRT vs. CRT" Gap
Experience isn't just a number of years on your resume; it's a literal pay bracket. Most Houston hospitals have moved away from hiring Certified Respiratory Therapists (CRTs) in favor of the Registered (RRT) credential.
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If you only have your CRT, you’re likely capped. Many systems won't even look at your application for a staff role unless you’re RRT-eligible or already licensed. The pay difference can be as much as $5 to $10 an hour.
- Entry-Level (0-2 years): Expect $28–$31/hr.
- Mid-Career (5-10 years): This is the sweet spot, often $36–$42/hr.
- Veteran (15+ years): You’re looking at $45/hr and up, especially in lead roles.
Why the Texas Medical Center Changes Everything
You can’t talk about money in this field without talking about the Texas Medical Center (TMC). It’s a beast. Because there are so many massive institutions—Methodist, St. Luke’s, Texas Children’s—squeezed into a few square miles, they have to compete for talent.
This competition leads to some pretty aggressive sign-on bonuses. It’s not rare to see $5,000 to $15,000 sign-on bonuses for RRTs who commit to a two-year contract.
But wait.
There is a trade-off. Working in the TMC usually means paying for parking, which can eat $150 to $250 out of your monthly paycheck if your employer doesn't subsidize it. Also, the commute to the Med Center at 6:30 AM is... an experience. Some therapists find they actually keep more of their money by working at a satellite hospital in Sugar Land, Katy, or The Woodlands, even if the base hourly rate is $2 lower.
Specialized Skills: Where the Big Money Is
If you want to maximize your Houston respiratory therapist salary, you have to specialize. General floor therapy is fine, but the money is in the high-stakes environments.
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- Neonatal/Pediatrics (NICU/PICU): Texas Children's Hospital is world-renowned. If you get your NPS (Neonatal/Pediatric Specialist) credential, you become much more valuable.
- Adult Critical Care (ACCS): Working the MICU or SICU often comes with higher base tiers.
- ECMO Specialists: This is the current "gold mine" for RTs. If you are trained in Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation, you aren't just an RT anymore; you’re a highly specialized technician. These roles can easily push you into the six-figure range.
The Shift Differential Secret
People always forget the "extras." Houston is a 24/7 town.
Most hospitals offer a night shift differential of $3.50 to $5.00 per hour. Weekend differentials can add another $2.00 to $4.00.
If you’re a "night owl" who works Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights? You could be making $10 more per hour than the person working Tuesday mornings on the same floor. That’s an extra $18,000 a year just for changing your sleep schedule.
Travel RT vs. Staff in Houston
During the peak of the pandemic, travel respiratory therapists were making "buy a house in cash" money. That has mostly leveled off.
Today, a travel RRT in Houston might pull in $1,800 to $2,300 a week (including stipends). It’s still more than staff pay, but you don’t get the benefits, the 401k match, or the stability. For many, the staff Houston respiratory therapist salary is more attractive because of the long-term pension or retirement plans offered by the big systems like UTMB or Harris Health.
Is the Salary Enough for Houston?
Honestly? Yeah.
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While Houston isn't as cheap as it was ten years ago, a salary of $75,000 goes a lot further here than it does in Chicago or LA. You can still find a decent apartment for $1,500–$1,800, and if you're willing to commute, you can buy a house.
Gas is cheaper. Groceries are (mostly) reasonable. The lack of state income tax is a roughly 5-8% "raise" compared to living in a state like California or New York.
How to Actually Increase Your Pay
If you’re stuck at the $32/hr mark and want to move up, don't just wait for a cost-of-living adjustment. Those are usually 2-3% and barely keep up with inflation.
First, get your RRT if you don’t have it. It’s the ceiling-breaker.
Second, get certified in a specialty. The NPS or ACCS are the most recognized in the Houston market.
Third, don't be afraid to hop. The biggest raises in the Med Center usually come when you move from one system to another. If you’ve been at one hospital for five years, you’re likely being paid less than the new hire they just brought in.
Immediate Next Steps
If you're serious about pursuing this, your first move should be to check the current openings at Memorial Hermann, Houston Methodist, and HCA Houston.
Look specifically at the "Requirements" section. If they mention "RRT required," and you're a student, focus everything on that exam. If you're already an RRT, look for "PRN" (as needed) shifts. Taking one or two PRN shifts a month at a different hospital system is the fastest way to see how other places pay without quitting your day job.
Go ahead and pull your most recent pay stub. If your "base rate" is under $33 an hour and you have more than 3 years of experience, you're likely underpaid for the current Houston market. It might be time to update the resume.