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

The estimated starting salary for Respiratory Therapy graduates in Peoria, AZ is $51,900 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 103.8. The national average starting salary for this major is $50,000. Salaries in Peoria are 4% higher than the national average due to cost of living differences.

Is a Respiratory Therapy degree worth it in Peoria?

A Respiratory Therapy degree in Peoria has an estimated ROI payback period of 6.8 years, with a projected lifetime return of $361,816 after subtracting education costs. With 7 colleges in the area and average public tuition of $11,400/year, Peoria offers affordable options for this degree. The local unemployment rate of 3.1% 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 Peoria?

The average annual public university tuition in Peoria is $11,400, while private universities average $24,000/year. Including room and board ($14,921/year), total 4-year costs range from $105,284 at a public school to $155,684 at a private institution. Average financial aid per student in Peoria is $10,765/year.

What jobs can Respiratory Therapy graduates get in Peoria?

Respiratory Therapy graduates in Peoria 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 Peoria 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 Peoria?

With a standard 10-year repayment plan at 6.5% interest, Respiratory Therapy graduates in Peoria would pay $1,195/month on an estimated $105,284 in loans, with $38,173 in total interest. An aggressive 5-year plan would require $2,060/month but save $19,857 in interest. With a COL-adjusted starting salary of $51,900, monthly payments would represent 28% of gross monthly income.

Respiratory Therapy Degree in Peoria, AZ — Salary & ROI 2026

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

Starting Salary

$52K

COL-adjusted

Mid-Career

$71K

COL-adjusted

ROI Payback

6.8 yrs

in Peoria

Cost of Living

103.8

index (100 = avg)

Respiratory Therapy in Peoria, AZ Overview

Peoria, Arizona (pop. 190,985) has 7 colleges offering Respiratory Therapy programs. The local cost of living index of 103.8 is near the national average, with average rent near campus at $1,185/month. Respiratory Therapy has seen growing enrollment nationally, reflecting rising employer demand for Ventilator Management and Airway Management skills. The adjusted starting salary in Peoria is approximately $51,900.

Respiratory Therapy Salary in Peoria (COL-Adjusted)

Salaries adjusted for Peoria's cost of living index of 103.8 (national average = 100).

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$51,900(+$1,900 vs national)

Mid Career (5-9 yrs)

$70,584(+$2,584 vs national)

Senior Level (15+ yrs)

$80,964(+$2,964 vs national)

Note: National average Respiratory Therapy salary: $50,000 starting, $68,000 mid-career, $78,000 senior level.Peoria adjustment factor: 1.04x based on the local cost of living index.

Respiratory Therapy ROI Calculator for Peoria

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

Annual Tuition ($)

Public avg: $11,400 | Private avg: $24,000

Years of Study

Annual Financial Aid ($)

Peoria avg aid: $10,765/yr

Student Loan Rate (%)

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

Total Education Cost

$105,284

tuition + room & board - aid

Annual Earnings Premium

$15,570

vs HS diploma in Peoria

ROI Payback Period

6.8 years

to break even

Lifetime Return in Peoria

$361,816

Lifetime earnings premium ($467,100) minus total education cost ($105,284)

Student Loan Payoff for Respiratory Therapy in Peoria

Standard Plan (10 years)

Loan Amount$105,284

Monthly Payment$1,195

Total Interest$38,173

% of Monthly Income28%

Aggressive Plan (5 years)

Loan Amount$105,284

Monthly Payment$2,060

Total Interest$18,316

Interest Savings$19,857

Colleges in Peoria for Respiratory Therapy

Peoria State University

public

$12,533/yr

$50,132 total

University of Peoria

public

$10,155/yr

$40,620 total

Community Colleges (2-Year Transfer)

Peoria Community College

$5,359/yr

Top Employers for Respiratory Therapy in Peoria

Peoria 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 Peoria 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 Arizona Cities

Phoenix, AZ

$76K starting · COL 152

72 colleges

Tucson, AZ

$58K starting · COL 116

24 colleges

Mesa, AZ

$55K starting · COL 110

31 colleges

Chandler, AZ

$62K starting · COL 124

22 colleges

Gilbert, AZ

$60K starting · COL 119

26 colleges

Glendale, AZ

$53K starting · COL 105

16 colleges

Scottsdale, AZ

$63K starting · COL 126

16 colleges

Tempe, AZ

$57K starting · COL 113

5 colleges

Other Healthcare Majors in Peoria

Pharmacy

$52K starting · 3.5 yr ROI

Health Informatics

$52K starting · 3.8 yr ROI

Nursing

$71K starting · 3.2 yr ROI

Healthcare Administration

$52K starting · 4 yr ROI

Occupational Therapy

$52K starting · 3.8 yr ROI

Dental Hygiene

$52K starting · 3 yr ROI

Speech-Language Pathology

$52K starting · 4.2 yr ROI

Public Health

$52K starting · 5.2 yr ROI

Methodology & Education Data Sources

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

Beyond federal aid (FAFSA), Arizona 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 (Arizona)

State-specific grants stack with federal aid:

• USA.gov — Arizona programs
• NASFAA — State Aid Programs
• Search "arizona 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 Peoria — 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 Peoria.

Respiratory Therapy Overview Colleges in Peoria All Majors