What is the starting salary for Respiratory Therapy graduates in Huntington?

The estimated starting salary for Respiratory Therapy graduates in Huntington, NY is $67,800 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 135.6. The national average starting salary for this major is $50,000. Salaries in Huntington are 36% higher than the national average due to cost of living differences.

Is a Respiratory Therapy degree worth it in Huntington?

A Respiratory Therapy degree in Huntington has an estimated ROI payback period of 5.3 years, with a projected lifetime return of $503,228 after subtracting education costs. With 8 colleges in the area and average public tuition of $10,200/year, Huntington offers affordable options for this degree. The local unemployment rate of 4.2% and the major's national unemployment rate of 1.5% should also factor into your decision.

How much does it cost to study Respiratory Therapy in Huntington?

The average annual public university tuition in Huntington is $10,200, while private universities average $42,000/year. Including room and board ($16,543/year), total 4-year costs range from $106,972 at a public school to $234,172 at a private institution. Average financial aid per student in Huntington is $15,718/year.

What jobs can Respiratory Therapy graduates get in Huntington?

Respiratory Therapy graduates in Huntington can pursue careers as Respiratory Therapist, Pulmonary Function Technologist, Critical Care RT. Key skills valued by local employers include Ventilator Management, Airway Management, Pulmonary Function Testing, Critical Care. The Huntington job market features Hospitals, Medical centers, Private practices among the top hiring sectors for this field. National top employers include Hospitals, Home Health Agencies, Sleep Centers.

How long to pay off student loans for Respiratory Therapy in Huntington?

With a standard 10-year repayment plan at 6.5% interest, Respiratory Therapy graduates in Huntington would pay $1,215/month on an estimated $106,972 in loans, with $38,785 in total interest. An aggressive 5-year plan would require $2,093/month but save $20,176 in interest. With a COL-adjusted starting salary of $67,800, monthly payments would represent 21% of gross monthly income.

Respiratory Therapy Degree in Huntington, NY — Salary & ROI 2026

Respiratory Therapy degree analysis for Huntington, NY. COL-adjusted salary data, local tuition costs, ROI calculator, and job market outlook.

Starting Salary

$68K

COL-adjusted

Mid-Career

$92K

COL-adjusted

ROI Payback

5.3 yrs

in Huntington

Cost of Living

135.6

index (100 = avg)

Respiratory Therapy in Huntington, NY Overview

Huntington, New York (pop. 203,264) has 8 colleges offering Respiratory Therapy programs. The local cost of living index of 135.6 is higher than average, so budget accordingly, with average rent near campus at $1,701/month. Respiratory Therapy has seen growing enrollment nationally, reflecting rising employer demand for Ventilator Management and Airway Management skills. The adjusted starting salary in Huntington is approximately $67,800.

Respiratory Therapy Salary in Huntington (COL-Adjusted)

Salaries adjusted for Huntington's cost of living index of 135.6 (national average = 100).

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$67,800(+$17,800 vs national)

Mid Career (5-9 yrs)

$92,208(+$24,208 vs national)

Senior Level (15+ yrs)

$105,768(+$27,768 vs national)

Note: National average Respiratory Therapy salary: $50,000 starting, $68,000 mid-career, $78,000 senior level.Huntington adjustment factor: 1.36x based on the local cost of living index.

Respiratory Therapy ROI Calculator for Huntington

Estimate your return on investment for a Respiratory Therapy degree using local Huntington tuition and cost of living data.

Annual Tuition ($)

Public avg: $10,200 | Private avg: $42,000

Years of Study

Annual Financial Aid ($)

Huntington avg aid: $15,718/yr

Student Loan Rate (%)

Federal avg: 6.5% | Private: 4-14%

Total Education Cost

$106,972

tuition + room & board - aid

Annual Earnings Premium

$20,340

vs HS diploma in Huntington

ROI Payback Period

5.3 years

to break even

Lifetime Return in Huntington

$503,228

Lifetime earnings premium ($610,200) minus total education cost ($106,972)

Student Loan Payoff for Respiratory Therapy in Huntington

Standard Plan (10 years)

Loan Amount$106,972

Monthly Payment$1,215

Total Interest$38,785

% of Monthly Income21%

Aggressive Plan (5 years)

Loan Amount$106,972

Monthly Payment$2,093

Total Interest$18,610

Interest Savings$20,176

Colleges in Huntington for Respiratory Therapy

Huntington State University

public

$9,262/yr

$37,048 total

University of Huntington

public

$9,647/yr

$38,588 total

Community Colleges (2-Year Transfer)

Huntington Community College

$5,914/yr

New York Technical College - Huntington

$6,044/yr

Top Employers for Respiratory Therapy in Huntington

Huntington offers opportunities in Hospitals, Medical centers, Private practices for Respiratory Therapy graduates. National top employers in this field include:

HospitalsHome Health AgenciesSleep CentersNeonatal UnitsLong-Term Care

Key Huntington Hiring Sectors for Healthcare

Hospitals

Medical centers

Private practices

Health systems

Pharma companies

Common Respiratory Therapy Job Titles

Respiratory TherapistPulmonary Function TechnologistCritical Care RT

Respiratory Therapy in Nearby New York Cities

New York City, NY

$83K starting · COL 166

49 colleges

New York, NY

$94K starting · COL 187.2

279 colleges

Oyster Bay, NY

$73K starting · COL 145

11 colleges

Buffalo, NY

$61K starting · COL 122

10 colleges

North Hempstead, NY

$71K starting · COL 141.3

9 colleges

Babylon, NY

$76K starting · COL 152.3

8 colleges

Yonkers, NY

$73K starting · COL 145.3

8 colleges

Rochester, NY

$70K starting · COL 140

13 colleges

Other Healthcare Majors in Huntington

Pharmacy

$68K starting · 3.5 yr ROI

Health Informatics

$68K starting · 3.8 yr ROI

Nursing

$92K starting · 3.2 yr ROI

Healthcare Administration

$68K starting · 4 yr ROI

Occupational Therapy

$68K starting · 3.8 yr ROI

Dental Hygiene

$68K starting · 3 yr ROI

Speech-Language Pathology

$68K starting · 4.2 yr ROI

Public Health

$68K starting · 5.2 yr ROI

Methodology & Education Data Sources

How we calculate Respiratory Therapy degree outcomes in Huntington, NY: Our salary projections, ROI estimates, and tuition data combine multiple federal datasets to provide a localized view of education economics. We use a 10-year career-trajectory model standard in higher education research.

Tuition data sourced from IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), the federal education statistics database operated by NCES. Average tuition for Respiratory Therapy programs reflects 4-year public/private weighted averages for New York.
Career salary projections based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, with cost-of-living adjustments for Huntington using regional CPI data.
10-year ROI calculates: (Total Career Earnings With Degree) − (Total Career Earnings Without Degree) − (Total Education Cost Including Interest on Loans).
Job market outlook for Respiratory Therapy graduates uses BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook 10-year projections (2024-2034 base period).
Default rates and loan data sourced from College Scorecard (US Department of Education), which tracks repayment outcomes by institution.

Authoritative US education data sources:

IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data — official federal college data
College Scorecard (US Dept of Education) — earnings, debt, completion rates
BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — Respiratory Therapy career projections
Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) — official US student loan and grant info
NCES Digest of Education Statistics — comprehensive education data
BLS Occupational Employment and Wages — entry-level salary data for Respiratory Therapy grads

Education Disclaimer: Salary and ROI estimates are projections based on national and state-level averages. Individual outcomes depend on institution prestige, GPA, internships, location, network, and economic conditions. Always verify current tuition with the institution directly, and consult a financial aid counselor before taking on student loans. Use the Federal Loan Simulator to model repayment scenarios.

Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated 2026 · IPEDS & BLS data current as of latest annual release

Financial Aid Resources for Huntington Students

Beyond federal aid (FAFSA), New York students have access to state-specific grants, scholarships, and tuition assistance programs. The 2026-27 FAFSA also added a new Low Earnings Indicator (Dec 2025) flagging programs where graduates earn less than non-college peers — check your target school's status:

📋 Federal Aid (FAFSA)

Pell Grant up to $7,395/yr (2026-27). Subsidized loans at 6.53% (academic year 25-26):

🏛️ State Grants (New York)

State-specific grants stack with federal aid:

• USA.gov — New York programs
• NASFAA — State Aid Programs
• Search "new york higher education commission grants"

🎓 College Outcomes Data

Verify earnings + debt before enrolling:

• College Scorecard — earnings, debt, completion
• NCES College Navigator
• IPEDS Net Price Calculator Center

💰 Scholarship Search

Free, official, scam-free scholarship databases:

2026-27 FAFSA tip: The new Low Earnings Indicator flags programs where graduates earn less than non-graduates. Check this before enrolling. Speak with a NASFAA-credentialed financial aid counselor at your target school.

Respiratory Therapy Degree in Huntington — FAQ

Data Sources: Salary data from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Cost of living from BLS Regional Data. College data from NCES/IPEDS. Updated March 2026.

Explore More

Compare Respiratory Therapy ROI in other cities, or explore other majors in Huntington.

Respiratory Therapy Overview Colleges in Huntington All Majors