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

The estimated starting salary for Respiratory Therapy graduates in Macon, GA is $50,500 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 101. The national average starting salary for this major is $50,000. Salaries in Macon are 1% higher than the national average due to cost of living differences.

Is a Respiratory Therapy degree worth it in Macon?

A Respiratory Therapy degree in Macon has an estimated ROI payback period of 6 years, with a projected lifetime return of $363,344 after subtracting education costs. With 13 colleges in the area and average public tuition of $11,056/year, Macon offers affordable options for this degree. The local unemployment rate of 6.8% 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 Macon?

The average annual public university tuition in Macon is $11,056, while private universities average $40,560/year. Including room and board ($11,733/year), total 4-year costs range from $91,156 at a public school to $209,172 at a private institution. Average financial aid per student in Macon is $10,538/year.

What jobs can Respiratory Therapy graduates get in Macon?

Respiratory Therapy graduates in Macon 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 Macon 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 Macon?

With a standard 10-year repayment plan at 6.5% interest, Respiratory Therapy graduates in Macon would pay $1,035/month on an estimated $91,156 in loans, with $33,051 in total interest. An aggressive 5-year plan would require $1,784/month but save $17,193 in interest. With a COL-adjusted starting salary of $50,500, monthly payments would represent 25% of gross monthly income.

Respiratory Therapy Degree in Macon, GA — Salary & ROI 2026

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

Starting Salary

$51K

COL-adjusted

Mid-Career

$69K

COL-adjusted

ROI Payback

6 yrs

in Macon

Cost of Living

101

index (100 = avg)

Respiratory Therapy in Macon, GA Overview

Macon, Georgia (pop. 157,346) has 13 colleges offering Respiratory Therapy programs. The local cost of living index of 101 is near the national average, with average rent near campus at $1,007/month. Respiratory Therapy has seen growing enrollment nationally, reflecting rising employer demand for Ventilator Management and Airway Management skills. The adjusted starting salary in Macon is approximately $50,500.

Respiratory Therapy Salary in Macon (COL-Adjusted)

Salaries adjusted for Macon's cost of living index of 101 (national average = 100).

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$50,500(+$500 vs national)

Mid Career (5-9 yrs)

$68,680(+$680 vs national)

Senior Level (15+ yrs)

$78,780(+$780 vs national)

Note: National average Respiratory Therapy salary: $50,000 starting, $68,000 mid-career, $78,000 senior level.Macon adjustment factor: 1.01x based on the local cost of living index.

Respiratory Therapy ROI Calculator for Macon

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

Annual Tuition ($)

Public avg: $11,056 | Private avg: $40,560

Years of Study

Annual Financial Aid ($)

Macon avg aid: $10,538/yr

Student Loan Rate (%)

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

Total Education Cost

$91,156

tuition + room & board - aid

Annual Earnings Premium

$15,150

vs HS diploma in Macon

ROI Payback Period

6 years

to break even

Lifetime Return in Macon

$363,344

Lifetime earnings premium ($454,500) minus total education cost ($91,156)

Student Loan Payoff for Respiratory Therapy in Macon

Standard Plan (10 years)

Loan Amount$91,156

Monthly Payment$1,035

Total Interest$33,051

% of Monthly Income25%

Aggressive Plan (5 years)

Loan Amount$91,156

Monthly Payment$1,784

Total Interest$15,858

Interest Savings$17,193

Colleges in Macon for Respiratory Therapy

Mercer University

private

$40,560/yr

$162,240 total

Community Colleges (2-Year Transfer)

Central Georgia Technical College

$3,152/yr

Top Employers for Respiratory Therapy in Macon

Macon 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 Macon 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 Georgia Cities

Atlanta, GA

$51K starting · COL 101

23 colleges

Columbus, GA

$42K starting · COL 84.5

8 colleges

Augusta, GA

$42K starting · COL 83

11 colleges

Savannah, GA

$48K starting · COL 95

12 colleges

Athens, GA

$52K starting · COL 103

11 colleges

Sandy Springs, GA

$56K starting · COL 112.5

5 colleges

Roswell, GA

$54K starting · COL 108.2

4 colleges

Johns Creek, GA

$56K starting · COL 112.8

4 colleges

Other Healthcare Majors in Macon

Pharmacy

$51K starting · 3.5 yr ROI

Health Informatics

$51K starting · 3.8 yr ROI

Nursing

$69K starting · 3.2 yr ROI

Healthcare Administration

$51K starting · 4 yr ROI

Occupational Therapy

$51K starting · 3.8 yr ROI

Dental Hygiene

$51K starting · 3 yr ROI

Speech-Language Pathology

$51K starting · 4.2 yr ROI

Public Health

$51K starting · 5.2 yr ROI

Methodology & Education Data Sources

How we calculate Respiratory Therapy degree outcomes in Macon, GA: 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 Georgia.
Career salary projections based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, with cost-of-living adjustments for Macon 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 Macon Students

Beyond federal aid (FAFSA), Georgia 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 (Georgia)

State-specific grants stack with federal aid:

• USA.gov — Georgia programs
• NASFAA — State Aid Programs
• Search "georgia 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 Macon — 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 Macon.

Respiratory Therapy Overview Colleges in Macon All Majors