Travel Respiratory Therapist Salary Guide

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 Travel Respiratory Therapist Salary

$1,970/week

The average salary for a Travel Respiratory Therapist is $1,970 per week. This is 20% lower than the practicing US average of $2,373.

Last updated on February 21, 2025. Based on 5,653 active jobs on Vivian.com in the last 7 days.

Salaries for Travel Respiratory Therapist compared to Allied Health Professional National Averages

$1,970/week

20% lower than the practicing US average.

$2,373/week

United States

Where do Travel Respiratory Therapists get paid the most?
StateAverage Weekly SalaryMax Weekly Salary
Vermont$2,363$2,524
Nevada$2,362$3,003
Hawaii$2,360$3,359
North Dakota$2,316$3,064
New Jersey$2,292$2,952
South Dakota$2,290$2,634
Massachusetts$2,260$2,870
Maine$2,254$2,972
Wisconsin$2,216$2,847
Minnesota$2,186$2,324
Nebraska$2,180$2,818
Washington$2,132$3,160
Alabama$2,130$3,046
Illinois$2,111$2,703
Idaho$2,110$2,623
Pennsylvania$2,102$3,172
Montana$2,093$2,686
New York$2,092$2,740
Oregon$2,090$3,321
What cities pay the most for Travel Respiratory Therapists?
CityAverage Weekly SalaryMax Weekly Salary
Stockton, California$3,584$3,584
San Francisco, California$2,939$3,570
Easton, Pennsylvania$2,646$3,172
Grand Forks, North Dakota$2,584$3,003
Wausau, Wisconsin$2,544$2,703
Rockford, Illinois$2,468$2,703
Allentown, Pennsylvania$2,453$3,172
Arcadia, California$2,453$2,453
Concord, Massachusetts$2,436$2,870
Haverhill, Massachusetts$2,435$2,619
What are the highest paying Employers and Agencies for Travel Respiratory Therapist jobs?
Average Weekly SalaryMax Weekly Salary
DT-Healthcare Staffing$3,095$3,095
Baptist Works$3,046$3,046
Kahu Malama Nurses$2,880$2,880
Amergis$2,837$2,837
ND Global Consulting Services$2,828$2,828
Connected Health Care $2,800$2,800
Pulse Healthcare Services$2,720$2,720
Compunnel Healthcare$2,700$2,700
SkyBridge Healthcare$2,700$2,700
CWS Health$2,629$2,700

Last updated on February 21, 2025. Information based on active jobs on Vivian.com.

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Travel 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.

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Travel RT Salary

Another way to boost your respiratory therapist salary is to take travel RT jobs. Temporary travel contracts enable you to put your skills to work in different locations, usually for 13 weeks at a time. You can travel to parts of the country you’ve always wanted to see while continuing to build your career or try living in a city for a few months before settling there permanently.

The average travel RT earned $2,439 per week or about $61 per hour based on a 40-hour workweek, according to Vivian’s data in mid-December 2022. Most travel staffing agencies offer travel allied health professionals attractive benefits such as health insurance and 401(k) plans, and if they qualify, tax-free housing stipends and meal per diems.

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Travel 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 Travel Respiratory Therapist?

Take a look at Vivian's Travel Respiratory Therapist Career Guide for more information, including required education, responsibilities, pros and cons and more.