Respiratory Therapist Salary Guide
- Requirements
- Respiratory Therapist Salary Insights
- Top Respiratory Therapist Jobs
- Featured Blog Posts
- Salary Tips
- Respiratory Therapist FAQs
Respiratory therapy is one of the fastest growing fields in allied health. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is forecasting the creation of 9,400 new respiratory therapist (RT) jobs each year from 2021 to 2031, according to its May 2021 data.
Whether you’re considering becoming an RT or want to advance your allied health career, you’ll find dynamic opportunities nationwide. Use our in-depth guide to zero in on the top respiratory therapist salary for permanent and travel RT jobs in various states.
Requirements for Practicing as an RT
A respiratory therapist is an allied health professional who treats patients with breathing problems. They diagnose respiratory conditions and recommend treatment, assist in managing chronic lung diseases, care for newborns whose lungs aren’t fully developed and help ensure critically ill patients can breathe.
To pursue a respiratory therapy career, you must earn certification through the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC). The NBRC offers two credentials for those entering RT practice:
Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) is an entry-level credential that demonstrates you have the necessary knowledge and experience to practice as an RT.
Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) is an advanced credential that demonstrates you have a higher level of expertise. Several states require you to have an RRT to practice.
To receive either CRT or RRT certification, you must:
Complete an associate degree or higher from an accredited respiratory therapy program
Pass the Therapist Multiple-Choice (TMC) exam
The TMC has two cut scores. You receive the CRT credential if you earn the low cut score. If you achieve the high cut score, you receive the CRT credential and are eligible to earn the RRT credential. You must pass a Clinical Simulation Exam and satisfy all other RRT requirements to earn the RRT designation.
Obtaining State Licensure
After you’re certified and ready to work, you must apply for a state license to practice. All state except Alaska requires licensure. The minimum requirements for licensure vary, so consult your state board to learn the specific requirements in your state.
Most states accept either CRT or RRT certification for licensure, but some require an RRT. As of December 2022, California, Arizona, Ohio, Oregon, New Mexico, New Jersey, Washington and West Virginia require an RRT to practice. Some states, such as New York, have two levels of licensure, depending on whether you have a CRT or RRT.
Although Alaska doesn’t require RTs to be licensed, an NBRC credential is an excellent way to demonstrate your competency to employers and patients. It may also allow you to negotiate for a higher salary.
Average Respiratory Therapist Salary
$40.98/hour
The average salary for a Respiratory Therapist is $40.98 per hour. This is 2% higher than the practicing US average of $40.35.
Last updated on December 20, 2024. Based on active jobs on Vivian.com.
Salaries for Respiratory Therapist compared to Allied Health Professional National Averages
$40.98/hour
2% higher than the practicing US average.
$40.35/hour
United States
Where do Respiratory Therapists get paid the most?
| State | Average Hourly Salary | Max Hourly Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado | $46 | $58 |
| North Carolina | $39 | $47 |
| Texas | $39 | $51 |
| Illinois | $39 | $51 |
| Wisconsin | $38 | $53 |
| Pennsylvania | $38 | $53 |
| Georgia | $33 | $39 |
| Florida | $32 | $46 |
What are the highest paying Employers and Agencies for Respiratory Therapist jobs?
| Average Hourly Salary | Max Hourly Salary | |
|---|---|---|
| Sutter Health | $56 | $64 |
| Seattle Children's | $52 | $54 |
| ChristianaCare | $46 | $46 |
| Inova Health System | $44 | $44 |
| Community Medical Centers | $41 | $41 |
| PennState Health | $41 | $41 |
| Memorial Hermann Health System | $40 | $40 |
| UCHealth (Colorado) | $39 | $42 |
| Advocate Aurora Health | $38 | $38 |
| The Hospitals of Providence | $35 | $35 |
Last updated on December 20, 2024. Information based on active jobs on Vivian.com and pay data from BLS and around the web.
Respiratory Therapist Career Guide
Use our exclusive Career Guides to research the education, qualifications, skills and responsibilities for a variety of healthcare disciplines and specialties employers are hiring now.
Go to the guideTop Respiratory Therapist Jobs
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Advancing Your Career as a Respiratory Therapist
One of the best ways to grow your career as a respiratory therapist is to continue your education and acquire more skills and knowledge. Professional development opens the door to increased responsibilities, better pay and the potential for moving into leadership roles.
Specialty Credentials
Specialty credentials show you have acquired additional expertise and can deliver higher levels of care, generally resulting in a pay raise. The NBRC offers the following specialty exams if you’re interested in these practice areas:
Pulmonary Function Technology Examination
Another way to advance your RT career is to pursue a pulmonary function technologist (PFT) role. PFTs set up and perform respiratory tests on patients to diagnose lung disorders anddiseases. RTs should have a minimum of 6 months of clinical experience in pulmonary function technology before attempting the exam.
This exam also has two cut scores. You receive the Certified Pulmonary Function Technologist credential if you achieve the lower cut score. However, if you earn the higher cut score, you receive the Registered Pulmonary Function Technologist credential.
Degree Advancement
Practicing RTs can also consider further studies to obtain a higher degree, which may lead to a better salary. For example, a degree advancement program in respiratory therapy lets you move from an associate degree to a bachelor’s degree or from a bachelor’s degree to a master’s. According to research by the American Association for Respiratory Care, each increase in degree level is associated with at least a $3,000 increase in annual compensation, making a higher degree a worthwhile investment in your future.
Featured Blog Posts
Featured Blog Posts
Respiratory Therapist FAQs
What professional certifications can potentially increase my salary as a Registered Respiratory Therapist?
Earning your Registered Pulmonary Function Technologist (RPFT), RRT - Adult Critical Care Specialty (RRT-ACCS), Certified Pulmonary Function Technologist (CPFT), Sleep Disorders Specialist (CRT-SDS or RRT-SDS) or Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP) often increases your salary potential as a registered respiratory therapist or makes you eligible for another position with greater responsibilities, which also might include a bump in wages.
Can having a Registered Pulmonary Function Technologist (RPFT) boost my salary as a Registered Respiratory Therapist?
Yes, having a Registered Pulmonary Function Technologist (RPFT) or any relevant professional certification has the potential to boost your salary as a registered respiratory therapist.
Can having a RRT - Adult Critical Care Specialty (RRT-ACCS) boost my salary as a Registered Respiratory Therapist?
Yes, having a RRT - Adult Critical Care Specialty (RRT-ACCS) or any relevant professional certification has the potential to boost your salary as a registered respiratory therapist.
Can having a Certified Pulmonary Function Technologist (CPFT) boost my salary as a Registered Respiratory Therapist?
Yes, having a Certified Pulmonary Function Technologist (CPFT) or any relevant professional certification has the potential to boost your salary as a registered respiratory therapist.
Can having a Sleep Disorders Specialist (CRT-SDS or RRT-SDS) boost my salary as a Registered Respiratory Therapist?
Yes, having a Sleep Disorders Specialist (CRT-SDS or RRT-SDS) or any relevant professional certification has the potential to boost your salary as a registered respiratory therapist.
Can having a Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP) boost my salary as a Registered Respiratory Therapist?
Yes, having a Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP) or any relevant professional certification has the potential to boost your salary as a registered respiratory therapist.
Where can I learn more about working as a Respiratory Therapist?
Take a look at Vivian's Respiratory Therapist Career Guide for more information, including required education, responsibilities, pros and cons and more.