How to Become a Respiratory Therapist
Assess and treat patients with breathing disorders, from premature infants to patients with chronic lung disease. It typically requires a associate's degree (accredited respiratory therapy program), with a median salary of $77,960 per year and faster than average projected job growth.
Median pay
$77,960/yr
Typical range
$59,180 to $104,480
Job growth
13%
Openings / yr
8,200
Majors that lead here
Key skills
- Ventilator Management
- Patient Assessment
- Cardiopulmonary Physiology
- Critical Care
- Communication
Helpful certifications
- RRT (Registered Respiratory Therapist)
- State Licensure
- ACLS Certification
Is this career a fit?
Remote-friendly
3/100
Work-life balance
52/100
Stress level
62/100
Satisfaction
71/100
Related careers
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Take the major quizSalary and job-growth figures: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook (wages May 2023, projections 2022-2032) and O*NET. National figures; actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.