Respiratory Therapist Jobs 2025

You must complete either an associate’s degree in Respiratory Care or a Bachelor of Health Science in Respiratory Care, pass credentialing exams, and acquire a license in your state to become a respiratory therapist and be eligible for employment in this expanding sector.

The salary of respiratory therapists can vary depending on several factors such as location, experience, education, and the type of facility they work in. Cutoff in September 2025, the median annual wage for respiratory therapists in the United States was around $63,950. However, it’s important to note that this figure may have changed since then, so it’s always a good idea to consult the latest data from reliable sources such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) in the U.S. or similar organizations in your country for the most up-to-date information.

Patients with breathing or cardiopulmonary issues get examinations and interviews by respiratory therapists. Patients with breathing difficulties, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, are treated by respiratory therapists (COPD).

If you earn your associate’s degree, the respiratory therapy certification procedure takes at least two years. Although it usually takes four years to finish, many businesses prefer applicants with bachelor’s degrees in the relevant profession.

A respiratory therapist is a healthcare professional who specializes in providing care to patients with respiratory issues or disorders. They work under the direction of physicians to evaluate, treat, and manage patients with breathing difficulties.

Respiratory therapists are trained to assess and treat a wide range of respiratory conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia, respiratory distress syndrome, and sleep apnea, among others. They may work with patients of all ages, from infants to the elderly.

The simple answer is that it will take at least two years, or the time needed to complete the usual standards set for current RTs, which include an associate degree and license. However, programs that go more quickly are also accessible.

You must complete either an associate’s degree in Respiratory Care or a Bachelor of Health Science in Respiratory Care, pass credentialing exams, and acquire a license in your state to become a respiratory therapist and be eligible for employment in this expanding sector.

Cutoff in September 2025, the average salary for respiratory therapists in California is higher than the national average. The exact salary can vary depending on factors such as experience, location within California, and the specific healthcare facility.

According to the data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the mean annual wage for respiratory therapists in California was approximately $87,860. However, it’s important to note that this is an average figure and individual salaries may vary.

1. Complete an Approved Respiratory Care Education Program
2. Earn Your RRT Credential
3. Complete a Board-Approved Law and Ethics Course
4. Apply for Licensure

Respiratory therapists are licensed medical professionals that diagnose and treat lung and breathing issues. They are not physicians. However, they collaborate closely with your physicians to assess and keep track of your health.

To become a respiratory therapist, there are several requirements that typically need to be met. The specific requirements may vary depending on the country or region, so it’s important to check the regulations and guidelines of the specific jurisdiction where you plan to practice. However, here are some general requirements that are commonly expected:
1. Education
2. Licensure/Certification
3. Clinical Experience
4. Continuing Education

It’s important to note that the requirements for becoming a respiratory therapist can vary, so it’s recommended to research the specific requirements in the country or region where you intend to practice. Additionally, professional organizations and regulatory bodies in the field of respiratory therapy can provide more specific information and guidance.

The training period to become a respiratory therapist is around two years. You’ll finish an associate degree program in respiratory care within these two years, along with the other prerequisites for licensing.

1. The cost of becoming a respiratory therapist can vary depending on several factors, including the type of educational program, location, and whether you pursue an associate degree or a bachelor’s degree. Here are some general cost considerations:
2. Tuition
3. Books and Supplies
4. Clinical Fees
5. Certification Exam Fees
6. Living Expenses

The average yearly salary for a respiratory therapist traveling inside the United States as of June 3, 2025, is $136,983. Suppose you need a quick pay estimator that comes out to be about $65.86 per hour. This amounts to $2,634 every week or $11,415 per month.

Background: Respiratory therapists frequently conduct endotracheal intubation (RTs).

Respiratory therapy is listed as the 21st best job in the United States by U.S. News & World Report, based on variables including median compensation, future career prospects, and more. U.S. News & World Report also ranks respiratory treatment as the 16th best healthcare profession in the country.

Licensed registered nurses specializing in respiratory care are registered respiratory therapist nurses or RRT nurses. They have degrees in respiratory therapy and nursing, and both aced licensing examinations to obtain certifications in their respective fields.

The hourly wage of a respiratory therapist can vary depending on factors such as experience, location, the type of facility they work in, and the specific industry. The following information provides a general guideline based on data available as of my knowledge cutoff in September 2025:

1. Graduate from a Respiratory Therapist Degree Program
2. Consider Obtaining an Optional Temporary Certificate in Respiratory Therapy
3. Gain National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) Certification
4. Apply for Licensure with the Texas Department of State Health Practitioners
5. Renew Your Respiratory Therapist License

Respiratory therapists, or professionals with similar roles and responsibilities, exist in various countries. While the specific title and scope of practice may vary, healthcare professionals in many countries specialize in respiratory care. Here are some examples of countries where respiratory therapists or similar professionals are present:

1. United States
2. Canada
3. United Kingdom
4. Australia
5. New Zealand
6. Germany

Respiratory therapists serve every age group. Emergency departments, critical care units, and neonatal intensive care units are just a few settings where respiratory therapists work in hospitals. It is possible for respiratory therapists to stand for extended amounts of time and to lift or turn patients.

Can a registered nurse work in respiratory therapy? Although RNs can return to school to get a respiratory therapy degree, this is uncommon because RTs often make less money and have fewer career options. As RNs are more likely to become respiratory therapists, several RN programs offer RT-to-RN bridge programs.

A bachelor’s degree in respiratory therapy is available online from NMC. There are no clinical hours needed for the 100% online program. Health promotion, health education, healthcare policy, and case management are the main topics of study.

If you want to learn how to become a respiratory therapist in Florida, you can expect to complete the following steps:

1. Complete an Approved Respiratory Therapist Degree Program
2. Take the Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) Examination
3. Complete the Required Training in the Prevention of Medical Errors
4. Apply for your License to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Florida
5. Keep your Respiratory Therapist License Current

According to AARC, which states that the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) is the agency that accredits respiratory therapy schools; respiratory therapists must possess a minimum of an associate degree from an authorized respiratory therapy education program.

Currently, among all allied health tests, the NBRC licensed respiratory therapist exam is regarded as one of the most difficult. The majority of applicants—roughly 61%—pass the test.

1. Familiarize yourself with the exam format
2. Review the exam content outline
3. Create a study plan
4. Utilize study resources
5. Review respiratory therapy fundamentals
6. Practice with sample questions
7. Join study groups or seek support
8. Take mock exams
9. Focus on test-taking strategies
10. Manage exam day stress

Do respiratory therapists consider their work to be worthwhile? Respiratory therapists give their jobs a 3.3/5 overall rating for meaningfulness.

If an applicant has been convicted of a misdemeanor or felony offense under one or more titles of the Texas Penal Code or convicted of any misdemeanor or felony offense designated as a crime by legislation or common law, their application may be refused.

Studying for the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) exam requires a systematic approach and dedication. Here are some steps to help you effectively study for the RRT exam:

1. Understand the Exam Content
2. Create a Study Plan
3. Utilize Study Resources
4. Review Respiratory Therapy Fundamentals
5. Practice with Sample Questions
6. Review and Reinforce Weak Areas
7. Create Study Notes
8. Use Visual Aids and Mnemonics
9. Join Study Groups or Seek Peer Support
10. Take Mock Exams
11. Practice Test-Taking Strategies
12. Review and Reflect

Six (6) CEU hours will be accepted for completing BLS, ACLS, NRP, and PALS courses if your state does not grant credit; however, no more than 12 CEU hours will be accepted for any combination of these programs throughout your five (5) year credential cycle. How many CEUs do I need to prove?

To distinguish their roles in the hospital, various medical staff often don distinct colors of scrubs. For instance, nurses could put on blue scrubs, while respiratory therapists would have to put on green scrubs.

In general, radiologists tend to earn higher salaries compared to respiratory therapists. Radiology is a specialized medical field that requires extensive education and training, typically including medical school, residency, and fellowship. Radiologists use medical imaging technologies, such as X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, and ultrasound, to diagnose and treat medical conditions.

Patients with breathing difficulties receive assistance from a respiratory therapist. Under the supervision of physicians, respiratory therapists provide care for various patients, including premature newborns with underdeveloped lungs and older patients with lung diseases.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of respiratory therapists is expected to increase by 23 percent through 2030, which is substantially faster than other health-related jobs. There will be roughly 10,100 openings annually in this field. The nation’s aging population and changing air quality contribute to the rising demand.

Yes, a respiratory therapist can pursue a career as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) with additional education and training.

A respiratory therapist, nurse, or another critical care worker with further specific training to care for the surgical patient while under general, regional, or conscious sedation anesthesia is known as an anesthesia assistant.

While some respiratory therapists offer equipment and clinical services, those specializing in in-home care can start their respiratory home care businesses where they may offer respiratory diagnostic tests, patient care, education, and other associated services.

If the insertion of an intravenous line is directly connected to delivering respiratory care, it may fall under the purview of respiratory treatment.

According to AARC, the institution that accredits respiratory therapy schools is the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC), and respiratory therapists must hold a minor and an associate degree from an approved respiratory therapy education program.

According to the BLS, the national average annual salary for a respiratory therapist is $62,500, almost $10,000 more than the average annual salary for all professions in the U.S., which is $51,960. The typical respiratory therapist’s pay might change dramatically depending on your work state.

The salary for respiratory therapists and registered nurses is substantially varied. Respiratory therapists make $61,830 annually, compared to RNs’ $82,750. Some healthcare organizations pay even more to RNs with Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degrees.

You must have at least an associate’s degree to work as a respiratory therapist. However, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services notes that “employers frequently prefer that candidates obtain a bachelor’s or master’s degree [in respiratory therapy] from a post-graduate school.” The Health Workforce Initiative (HWI) and the California Hospital Association (CHA) conducted statewide surveys that revealed that over a quarter of California’s hospitals (225) demanded that respiratory therapists have a bachelor’s degree. In other words, even if you work as a doctor with just an associate’s degree, getting a bachelor’s degree may provide more career options.

A respiratory therapist only specializes in cardiopulmonary care, a branch of medicine that concentrates on the health of the heart and lungs. Both respiratory therapists and nurses can conduct medical evaluations of a patient’s general health as part of their profession.

Although every student’s experience is unique, most would concur that respiratory therapy school is inherently tough at times. Here are a few of the primary explanations:

1. Difficult coursework
2. Clinical rotations
3. Skill checkoffs
4. Weekly exams
5. Must treat critically sick patients
6. Must learn life-saving skills
7. Cost of attendance
8. Must pass two board exams
9. Respiratory therapy school requires balance

Every 24 months, respiratory care professionals must complete at least 24 credits or hours of continuing education (CE) (the 24-month timeline goes by the biennial registration period, not the calendar year).

Respiratory therapists’ salaries ranged from less than $47,380 for the lowest 10% to more than $95,540 for the wealthiest 10%. An associate’s degree is the average entry-level education for a respiratory therapist. In the United States, about 135,800 respiratory therapists are working.

In the United States, the median annual wage for respiratory therapists was approximately $63,950. However, the range can vary significantly, with the lowest 10% earning around $46,310 and the highest 10% earning over $87,540 per year.

In Florida, respiratory therapists working in metropolitan areas or larger cities may have higher salaries compared to those in rural areas. The cost of living and the demand for respiratory therapists can also influence salary levels within the state.

The average salary for respiratory therapists in Florida was around $59,790 per year. However, it’s important to note that salaries can vary based on factors such as experience, location within the state, type of healthcare facility, and additional certifications or specializations.

The average salary for respiratory therapists in North Carolina (NC) was around $63,100 per year. However, it’s important to note that salaries can vary based on factors such as experience, location within the state, type of healthcare facility, and additional certifications or specializations.

In North Carolina, respiratory therapists working in metropolitan areas or larger cities tend to have higher salaries compared to those in rural areas. The cost of living and the demand for respiratory therapists can also influence salary levels within the state.

If you earn your associate’s degree, the respiratory therapy certification procedure takes at least two years. Although it usually takes four years to finish, many businesses prefer applicants with bachelor’s degrees in the relevant profession.

You must complete either an associate’s degree in Respiratory Care or a Bachelor of Health Science in Respiratory Care, pass credentialing exams, and acquire a license in your state to become a respiratory therapist and be eligible for employment in this expanding sector.

To become a pediatric respiratory therapist, you would typically follow a similar educational and professional pathway as a respiratory therapist, focusing on pediatric respiratory care. Here are the general steps to becoming a pediatric respiratory therapist:

1. Obtain a high school diploma or equivalent
2. Pursue a respiratory therapy education program
3. Complete an associate degree or bachelor’s degree program
4. Gain clinical experience
5. Obtain licensure and certification
6. Seek pediatric respiratory therapy positions
7. Continue professional development

To obtain traditional Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for respiratory therapists in Texas, you can follow these general steps:

1. Identify Approved Providers
2. Select Relevant Courses
3. Attend In-Person Seminars or Workshops
4. Verify Provider Approval
5. Attend and Participate
6. Maintain Documentation
7. Submit CEU Documentation

RRT certification will set you back $350 to $390 in total. Only those candidates who pass the TMC exam are certified as CRTs.

The prerequisites for becoming a respiratory therapist can vary depending on the educational program and institution you choose. However, here are some common prerequisites that are often required or recommended:

1. High School Diploma
2. Science and Math Courses
3. CPR Certification
4. College Placement
5. GPA Requirements
6. Prerequisite Courses

Respiratory therapy is typically not offered as a major itself at the undergraduate level. Instead, aspiring respiratory therapists usually pursue a degree in respiratory therapy or a related field. The most common degree awarded to respiratory therapists is an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Respiratory Therapy. However, some colleges and universities also offer Bachelor of Science (BS) or Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Care (BSRC) degrees in respiratory therapy.

• Compassion. Respiratory therapists should be able to provide emotional support to patients undergoing treatment.
• Detail oriented. Respiratory therapists must stay focused to ensure patients receive appropriate treatments and medications.
• Interpersonal skills.
  Patience.
• Problem-solving skills.

To be a successful respiratory therapist, several skills are important to possess. Here are some key skills and qualities that can contribute to your effectiveness in this profession:

1. Respiratory Knowledge
2. Technical Skills
3. Critical Thinking
4. Communication
5. Problem-Solving
6. Attention to Detail
7. Empathy and Compassion
8. Teamwork
9. Adaptability
10. Lifelong Learning

Before becoming a respiratory therapist, the typical step in the educational and professional pathway is obtaining a degree in respiratory therapy or a related field. Here is the general sequence of steps:

1. High School Education
2. Prerequisites
3. Respiratory Therapy Education
4. Clinical Experience
5. Licensure
6. Optional Certification.