What is the starting salary for Respiratory Therapy graduates in Virginia Beach?

The estimated starting salary for Respiratory Therapy graduates in Virginia Beach, VA is $44,000 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 88. The national average starting salary for this major is $50,000. Salaries in Virginia Beach are 12% lower than the national average due to cost of living differences.

Is a Respiratory Therapy degree worth it in Virginia Beach?

A Respiratory Therapy degree in Virginia Beach has an estimated ROI payback period of 6.3 years, with a projected lifetime return of $313,220 after subtracting education costs. With 13 colleges in the area and average public tuition of $11,210/year, Virginia Beach offers affordable options for this degree. The local unemployment rate of 3.2% 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 Virginia Beach?

The average annual public university tuition in Virginia Beach is $11,210, while private universities average $28,926/year. Including room and board ($9,485/year), total 4-year costs range from $82,780 at a public school to $153,644 at a private institution. Average financial aid per student in Virginia Beach is $12,610/year.

What jobs can Respiratory Therapy graduates get in Virginia Beach?

Respiratory Therapy graduates in Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach?

With a standard 10-year repayment plan at 6.5% interest, Respiratory Therapy graduates in Virginia Beach would pay $940/month on an estimated $82,780 in loans, with $30,014 in total interest. An aggressive 5-year plan would require $1,620/month but save $15,613 in interest. With a COL-adjusted starting salary of $44,000, monthly payments would represent 26% of gross monthly income.

Respiratory Therapy Degree in Virginia Beach, VA — Salary & ROI 2026

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

Starting Salary

$44K

COL-adjusted

Mid-Career

$60K

COL-adjusted

ROI Payback

6.3 yrs

in Virginia Beach

Cost of Living

index (100 = avg)

Respiratory Therapy in Virginia Beach, VA Overview

Virginia Beach, Virginia (pop. 459,470) has 13 colleges offering Respiratory Therapy programs. The local cost of living index of 88 keeps student expenses low, with average rent near campus at $975/month. Respiratory Therapy has seen growing enrollment nationally, reflecting rising employer demand for Ventilator Management and Airway Management skills. The adjusted starting salary in Virginia Beach is approximately $44,000.

Respiratory Therapy Salary in Virginia Beach (COL-Adjusted)

Salaries adjusted for Virginia Beach's cost of living index of 88 (national average = 100).

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$44,000($-6,000 vs national)

Mid Career (5-9 yrs)

$59,840($-8,160 vs national)

Senior Level (15+ yrs)

$68,640($-9,360 vs national)

Note: National average Respiratory Therapy salary: $50,000 starting, $68,000 mid-career, $78,000 senior level.Virginia Beach adjustment factor: 0.88x based on the local cost of living index.

Respiratory Therapy ROI Calculator for Virginia Beach

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

Annual Tuition ($)

Public avg: $11,210 | Private avg: $28,926

Years of Study

Annual Financial Aid ($)

Virginia Beach avg aid: $12,610/yr

Student Loan Rate (%)

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

Total Education Cost

$82,780

tuition + room & board - aid

Annual Earnings Premium

$13,200

vs HS diploma in Virginia Beach

ROI Payback Period

6.3 years

to break even

Lifetime Return in Virginia Beach

$313,220

Lifetime earnings premium ($396,000) minus total education cost ($82,780)

Student Loan Payoff for Respiratory Therapy in Virginia Beach

Standard Plan (10 years)

Loan Amount$82,780

Monthly Payment$940

Total Interest$30,014

% of Monthly Income26%

Aggressive Plan (5 years)

Loan Amount$82,780

Monthly Payment$1,620

Total Interest$14,401

Interest Savings$15,613

Colleges in Virginia Beach for Respiratory Therapy

Regent University

private

$19,100/yr

$76,400 total

Virginia Wesleyan University

private

$38,752/yr

$155,008 total

Old Dominion University

public

$11,210/yr

$44,840 total

Community Colleges (2-Year Transfer)

Tidewater Community College

$5,340/yr

Top Employers for Respiratory Therapy in Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Cities

Chesapeake, VA

$46K starting · COL 91

12 colleges

Arlington, VA

$71K starting · COL 142.5

9 colleges

Norfolk, VA

$47K starting · COL 93

16 colleges

Richmond, VA

$50K starting · COL 100

11 colleges

Newport News, VA

$46K starting · COL 92.5

7 colleges

Alexandria, VA

$51K starting · COL 102

8 colleges

Hampton, VA

$49K starting · COL 97

7 colleges

Roanoke, VA

$44K starting · COL 88.5

4 colleges

Other Healthcare Majors in Virginia Beach

Pharmacy

$44K starting · 3.5 yr ROI

Health Informatics

$44K starting · 3.8 yr ROI

Nursing

$60K starting · 3.2 yr ROI

Healthcare Administration

$44K starting · 4 yr ROI

Occupational Therapy

$44K starting · 3.8 yr ROI

Dental Hygiene

$44K starting · 3 yr ROI

Speech-Language Pathology

$44K starting · 4.2 yr ROI

Public Health

$44K starting · 5.2 yr ROI

Methodology & Education Data Sources

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

Beyond federal aid (FAFSA), Virginia 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 (Virginia)

State-specific grants stack with federal aid:

• USA.gov — Virginia programs
• NASFAA — State Aid Programs
• Search "virginia 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 Virginia Beach — 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 Virginia Beach.

Respiratory Therapy Overview Colleges in Virginia Beach All Majors