State medians come from the same OEWS release as the national figures. The cost-of-living column divides each state median by that state's BEA Regional Price Parity, restating pay in national-average dollars so a high-cost state and a low-cost one can be compared directly.
Respiratory Therapist Salary (2026): Data, Outlook & How to Become One
The median pay for Respiratory Therapists is $82,280 a year ($39.56/hr), according to BLS OEWS, May 2025. Employment is projected to grow 12.1% through 2034, with about 8,800 openings a year (BLS EP, 2024–2034). Typical entry-level education: Associate's degree.
SOC 29-1126Healthcare Practitioners and TechnicalLast updated August 23, 2026
- Median pay
- $82,280
- Projected growth
- +12.1%
- Openings a year
- 8,800
- Typical education
- Associate's
BLS OEWS, May 2025
BLS EP, 2024–2034
BLS EP, 2024–2034
BLS EP, 2024–2034
Also advertised as: Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Respiratory Therapist, Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT), Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT), Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP), Respiratory Therapist (RT), Staff Respiratory Therapist.
How much do Respiratory Therapists make?
10th percentile$63,660
Entry / lowest-paid tenth
25th percentile$74,520
Lower quartile
Median (50th)$82,280
Half earn more, half earn less
75th percentile$98,730
Upper quartile
90th percentile$118,050
Top-paid tenth
| Median annual wage | $82,280 |
|---|---|
| Median hourly wage | $39.56/hr |
| Mean annual wage | $87,300 |
| People employed | 139,790 |
Versus all US occupations
At $82,280, Respiratory Therapists earn 61% above the $50,980 median across all US occupations, a difference of $31,300 a year.
Versus healthcare practitioners and technical occupations
Inside the Healthcare Practitioners and Technical group, where the middle occupation pays $97,870, this is 16% below the group median.
Pay range
The top 10% earn $118,050 or more while the bottom 10% earn $63,660, a gap of 1.9×. That is a typical spread for a US occupation.
Rank in the bank
This median pays more than 69% of the 923 occupations in the NueCareer career bank.
Highest-paying state
District of Columbia pays the most at $111,950, and still leads at $101,864 once local prices are taken into account.
Which states pay Respiratory Therapists the most?
| State | Median | COL-adjusted | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $111,950 | $101,864 | 430 |
| New York | $107,810 | $99,897 | 7,010 |
| California | $104,820 | $94,671 | 18,650 |
| Massachusetts | $102,170 | $96,608 | 2,220 |
| Washington | $101,130 | $94,503 | 1,860 |
| New Jersey | $100,810 | $92,652 | 3,350 |
| Oregon | $100,560 | $97,290 | 1,340 |
| Minnesota | $98,710 | $100,090 | 1,250 |
| Alaska | $97,950 | $95,693 | 180 |
| New Hampshire | $95,940 | $92,104 | 360 |
Is Respiratory Therapist a growing career?
Respiratory Therapists12.1%
All US occupations3.1%
+12.1% projected growth vs 3.1% for all occupations.
Much faster than average
BLS projects employment of Respiratory Therapists to change 12.1% over 2024–2034, roughly 3.9× the 3.1% projected for all occupations. That is 16,800 more jobs.
Annual openings
About 8,800 openings are projected each year, 6.3% of the 139,600 jobs that existed in 2024. Most come from workers leaving the occupation, not from growth alone.
Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
Growth in the older adult population will lead to an increased prevalence of respiratory conditions such as pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and other disorders that restrict lung function. This, in turn, will lead to increased demand for respiratory therapy services and treatments, mostly in hospitals.
In addition, a growing emphasis on reducing readmissions to hospitals and on providing patient care in outpatient facilities may result in more demand for respiratory therapists in health clinics and in doctors’ offices.
Other respiratory conditions that affect people of all ages, such as problems due to smoking and air pollution or those arising from emergencies, will continue to create demand for respiratory therapists.
How to become a Respiratory Therapist
Respiratory therapists need at least an associate degree from a CoARC-accredited program and a national credential from the NBRC. Every state except Alaska requires a license, and all 49 regulating states use the NBRC's Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) and/or Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential as the basis for that license.
The credential path, step by step
- Graduate from a CoARC-accredited respiratory therapy program2 years
At minimum an associate degree. Programs cover human anatomy and physiology and therapeutic and diagnostic procedures, and include clinical components giving supervised patient-care experience. Accredited programs in the Armed Forces also lead to an associate degree.
- Pass the NBRC entry examination to earn the CRT
The TMC Examination's low cut score awards the Certified Respiratory Therapist credential. Aim for the high cut score, which also unlocks eligibility for the Clinical Simulation Examination.
- Pass the Clinical Simulation Examination to earn the RRT
The CSE is required for the Registered Respiratory Therapist credential, which NBRC describes as the standard of excellence for the profession and which many employers require.
- Apply for a state license
Required in every state except Alaska. Licensure requirements vary but usually include passing a state or professional certification exam, and the state builds its license on your CRT or RRT.
- Maintain the credential on a five-year cycle
Use the NBRC Credential Maintenance Program: quarterly assessments with up to 30 CE credits, an exam retake, or a new NBRC credential. Track your state's separate license-renewal requirements alongside it.
Exams you have to pass
Therapist Multiple-Choice Examination (TMC)
160 multiple-choice items over three hours, taken after graduating from a CoARC program. It has two cut scores: the low cut score earns the CRT credential, and the high cut score earns the CRT and makes you eligible for the Clinical Simulation Examination.
Administered by National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC).
Clinical Simulation Examination (CSE)
22 patient-simulation problems over four hours, taken after achieving the TMC high cut score. Passing it earns the RRT credential. Requires an associate degree or higher from a CoARC advanced-level respiratory therapy program.
Administered by National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC).
Respiratory Therapy Examination (RT Examination)
185 multiple-choice items over four hours, with a detailed content outline effective January 2027. It carries two cut scores: the low cut score earns the CRT credential and the high cut score earns the RRT directly. Candidates should check which examination applies to the date they plan to test.
Administered by National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC).
- Program accreditation
CoARC · Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care
CoARC accredits entry-into-professional-practice respiratory care programs at associate, baccalaureate and master's degree levels. To sit the NBRC's entry examination you must be at least 18 and hold a minimum of an associate degree from a CoARC-supported or CoARC-accredited entry-into-practice program.
- How long the training takes
2 years
An associate degree is the typical entry qualification; some employers prefer a bachelor's degree, and CoARC also accredits entry-into-practice programs at baccalaureate and master's level.
- Continuing education
Required to stay credentialed
NBRC credentials earned on or after 1 July 2002 run on a five-year certification cycle maintained through the Credential Maintenance Program, which offers three routes: quarterly assessments plus up to 30 continuing-education credits, retaking the credentialing exam, or earning a further NBRC credential. NBRC states plainly that maintaining a credential is separate from maintaining a license, and your state is likely to require its own continuing-education documentation.
Licensing and state variation
Licensed state by state
Alaska is the exception: every other state requires a license, and in Alaska national certification is recommended rather than mandated. All 49 regulating states build licensure on the NBRC credential, but they differ in whether they accept the CRT or want the RRT, and in their renewal and continuing-education rules. Separately, some employers require the RRT before hiring or within a set period on the job.
Who governs the credential
- National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) — The credentialing body for respiratory care. It writes and administers the examinations that award the CRT and RRT credentials, and runs the Credential Maintenance Program that keeps them current.
Credential detail for respiratory therapists is researched by hand from the bodies that issue it, not derived from BLS or O*NET. Sources last checked August 23, 2026. Requirements change: confirm with your own state board before enrolling in anything.
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, Respiratory Therapists (How to Become One) · checked August 23, 2026
- NBRC, Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) · checked August 23, 2026
- NBRC, Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) · checked August 23, 2026
- NBRC, Credential Maintenance Program answers · checked August 23, 2026
- CoARC, coarc.com (scope of accreditation statement) · checked August 23, 2026
What the federal data says
Respiratory therapists typically need an associate’s degree in respiratory therapy. Some employers prefer to hire candidates who have a bachelor’s degree. Respiratory therapists must be licensed in all states except Alaska; requirements vary by state.
| Typical entry-level education | Associate's degree |
|---|---|
| Preparation needed (O*NET job zone) | Some preparation |
| Work experience in a related occupation | None |
| Typical on-the-job training | None |
What education people in the job have
O*NET incumbent survey: the highest level of education reported by people already working as respiratory therapists.
- Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)82.8%
- Bachelor's Degree11.7%
- Post-Secondary Certificate5.2%
- Post-Baccalaureate Certificate0.4%
What does a Respiratory Therapist do?
Assess, treat, and care for patients with breathing disorders. Assume primary responsibility for all respiratory care modalities, including the supervision of respiratory therapy technicians. Initiate and conduct therapeutic procedures; maintain patient records; and select, assemble, check, and operate equipment.
Respiratory therapists care for patients who have trouble breathing, for example, because of conditions such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Their patients range from premature infants with undeveloped lungs to older adults whose lungs are diseased.
Day-to-day tasks
- Monitor patient's physiological responses to therapy, such as vital signs, arterial blood gases, or blood chemistry changes, and consult with physician if adverse reactions occur.
- Set up and operate devices, such as mechanical ventilators, therapeutic gas administration apparatus, environmental control systems, or aerosol generators, following specified parameters of treatment.
- Work as part of a team of physicians, nurses, or other healthcare professionals to manage patient care by assisting with medical procedures or related duties.
- Read prescription, measure arterial blood gases, and review patient information to assess patient condition.
- Explain treatment procedures to patients to gain cooperation and allay fears.
- Educate patients and their families about their conditions and teach appropriate disease management techniques, such as breathing exercises or the use of medications or respiratory equipment.
- Maintain charts that contain patients' pertinent identification and therapy information.
- Determine requirements for treatment, such as type, method and duration of therapy, precautions to be taken, or medication and dosages, compatible with physicians' orders.
O*NET core tasks, ordered by reported importance.
Working conditions and hours
Most respiratory therapists work full time. Because they may work in medical facilities that are always open, such as hospitals, they may have shifts that include nights, weekends, or holidays.
Where the work happens
- Indoors, in a climate-controlled space, every day
Working with people
- Constant contact with other people
- Face-to-face discussions every day
- Dealing with customers or the public is very important
Pressure and stakes
- Meeting strict deadlines at least weekly
- Mistakes carry very serious consequences
Schedules: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2024–2034 edition. Conditions: O*NET Work Context survey, showing only the signals people in the job report decisively one way or the other.
Where respiratory therapists work
| Hospitals; state, local, and private | 80% |
|---|---|
| Nursing care facilities (skilled nursing facilities) | 4% |
| Offices of physicians | 2% |
BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2024–2034 edition.
Core skills
- Active Listening3.9/5
- Critical Thinking3.9/5
- Monitoring3.9/5
- Speaking3.8/5
- Reading Comprehension3.6/5
- Active Learning3.6/5
- Writing3.1/5
- Learning Strategies3.1/5
Transferable skills
- Social Perceptiveness3.6/5
- Service Orientation3.6/5
- Coordination3.4/5
- Complex Problem Solving3.4/5
- Judgment and Decision Making3.4/5
- Instructing3.3/5
- Time Management3.1/5
- Operations Monitoring3.0/5
Tools and software
- Electronic mail software · in demand
- Medical software · in demand
- Office suite software · in demand
- Presentation software · in demand
- Spreadsheet software · in demand
- Word processing software · in demand
- Data base user interface and query software
“In demand” marks an O*NET Employer-Based Hot Technology, software named in real job postings for this occupation.
What personality type suits a Respiratory Therapist?
Interest profile: O*NET Occupational Interests, scored 1–7
Realisticprimary5.0
Investigativeprimary4.7
Artistic1.0
Socialprimary4.9
Enterprising1.7
Conventional3.9
Day to day this is work built around hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors, combined with teaching, helping and working directly with other people.
Closest MBTI types
NueCareer fit scores: cosine similarity between each MBTI type's interest vector and this occupation's O*NET interest profile. Not a BLS or O*NET figure; the method is documented on our methodology page.
Respiratory Therapist: frequently asked questions
How much do Respiratory Therapists make?
Respiratory Therapists earn a median of $82,280 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025). That is 61% above the $50,980 median for all US occupations. That works out at $39.56/hr. The middle half earn between $74,520 and $98,730. The top 10% earn $118,050 or more.
Do you need a degree to become a Respiratory Therapist?
Usually a two-year degree rather than a four-year one. BLS lists an associate's degree as the typical entry-level education for Respiratory Therapists. In O*NET's survey of people already doing the job, 82.8% hold associate's degree (or other 2-year degree).
Is Respiratory Therapist a growing career?
Yes, strongly. Employment is projected to grow 12.1% over 2024–2034, more than double the 3.1% projected for all occupations (BLS EP, 2024–2034). BLS still projects about 8,800 openings a year, mostly from workers retiring or moving to other work.
What does a Respiratory Therapist do?
Respiratory therapists care for patients who have trouble breathing, for example, because of conditions such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). A core O*NET task: monitor patient's physiological responses to therapy, such as vital signs, arterial blood gases, or blood chemistry changes, and consult with physician if adverse reactions occur. Employers most often ask for Electronic mail software, Medical software, Office suite software.
Which states pay Respiratory Therapists the most?
The highest state medians for Respiratory Therapists are District of Columbia ($111,950), New York ($107,810), California ($104,820) (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
What personality type suits a Respiratory Therapist?
O*NET scores Respiratory Therapists highest on the Realistic, Social and Investigative interest areas, so the work mixes hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors with teaching, helping and working directly with other people. On NueCareer's MBTI-to-interest mapping the closest types are ISFJ, ISTJ. Personality is a fit signal, not a gate. The free NueCareer quiz scores your own profile against all 923 occupations in the bank.
How long does it take to become a Respiratory Therapist?
2 years. An associate degree is the typical entry qualification; some employers prefer a bachelor's degree, and CoARC also accredits entry-into-practice programs at baccalaureate and master's level.
Do you need a license to work as a Respiratory Therapist?
Yes, and it is issued by the state you work in, not nationally. Alaska is the exception: every other state requires a license, and in Alaska national certification is recommended rather than mandated. All 49 regulating states build licensure on the NBRC credential, but they differ in whether they accept the CRT or want the RRT, and in their renewal and continuing-education rules. Separately, some employers require the RRT before hiring or within a set period on the job.
What exams do you have to pass to become a Respiratory Therapist?
The TMC (Therapist Multiple-Choice Examination), the CSE (Clinical Simulation Examination), the RT Examination (Respiratory Therapy Examination). 160 multiple-choice items over three hours, taken after graduating from a CoARC program. It has two cut scores: the low cut score earns the CRT credential, and the high cut score earns the CRT and makes you eligible for the Clinical Simulation Examination.