Respiratory Therapists
Respiratory therapists care for patients who have trouble breathing—for example, because of a chronic condition such as asthma.
Is respiratory therapists a good career?
It scores 34/100 and ranks #111 of 825 occupations on pay, growth, employment and openings. Here's what the federal data says, with no editorializing.
Advantages
- Pays well above the U.S. median wage ($82,280 vs $61,390)
- Faster-than-average projected growth (+12.1% through 2034)
Possible tradeoffs
- No notable tradeoffs stand out in the wage and projection data.
What respiratory therapists earn
Wages: BLS OEWS May 2025Pay is a range, not a number. Half of U.S. respiratory therapists earn between $74,520 and $98,730 a year.
Best-paying states
Best-paying metros
Strongest employment concentration
Live respiratory therapists jobs
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- Typical education
- Associate's degree
- Work experience
- None
- On-the-job training
- None
- Outlook
- Employment is projected to grow much faster than average through 2034.
Education
Respiratory therapists typically need at least an associate’s degree in respiratory therapy from an accredited program. Employers may prefer that applicants have a bachelor’s degree.
Some programs require applicants to fulfill prerequisites. High school students interested in applying to respiratory therapy programs should take courses in biology, algebra, chemistry, and physics.
In addition to respiratory therapy programs offered by colleges and vocational–technical institutes, an accredited program in the Armed Forces leads to an associate’s degree.
Respiratory therapy programs typically include courses in human anatomy and physiology, and therapeutic and diagnostic procedures and tests. These programs also have clinical components that allow students to gain supervised, practical experience in treating patients.
Licenses, certifications & registrations
Respiratory therapists are required to be licensed in all states except Alaska, where national certification is recommended. Licensure requirements vary but usually include passing a state or professional certification exam. For specific requirements, contact a state’s health board.
There are two main levels of certification: Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) and Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT). Candidates typically sit for the CRT exam. After successful completion, CRTs may take an additional exam to earn RRT certification. Some employers require that candidates earn RRT certification before being hired or within a specified amount of time on the job.
Important qualities
Compassion. Respiratory therapists should be able to provide emotional support to patients undergoing treatment. They must be sympathetic to a patient’s needs.
Detail oriented. Respiratory therapists must stay focused to ensure that a patient receives appropriate treatments and medications. They must be meticulous about monitoring patients and recording information related to their care.
Interpersonal skills. Respiratory therapists interact and build relationships with patients. They often work as part of a team and must be able to take direction from others, such as a supervising physician.
Patience. Respiratory therapists may work for long periods with patients who need special attention.
Problem-solving skills. Respiratory therapists must evaluate patients’ symptoms, consult with other healthcare professionals, and recommend and administer the appropriate treatments.
Related occupations
How much do respiratory therapists make?
The national median wage is $82,280 a year, with the middle half earning between $74,520 and $98,730 (BLS OEWS May 2025).
Is respiratory therapists a good career?
On the Jobs.best index it scores 34 of 100 and ranks #111 of 825 occupations, weighing pay, growth, employment and openings. Employment is projected to change +12.1% through 2034.
What education do you need to become a respiratory therapist?
The typical entry-level education is associate's degree.
Where do respiratory therapists earn the most?
Among states, District of Columbia pays the highest median ($111,950). Local pay for every state and metro is below.