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 an associate's degree (accredited respiratory therapy program), with a median salary of $82,280 per year and much faster than average projected job growth.
Median pay
$82,280/yr
Job growth
7%
Openings / yr
8,800
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
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- Pharmacist$140,910 median
- Optometrist$136,570 median
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Respiratory Therapist make?
The median pay for a Respiratory Therapist is $82,280 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025). Actual pay varies with experience, location, and employer.
What degree do you need to become a Respiratory Therapist?
The usual entry point is an associate's degree (accredited respiratory therapy program). Common majors are Respiratory Therapy, Health Sciences, and Biology.
Is Respiratory Therapist a growing field?
The BLS projects much faster than average demand for this role, about 7% over the decade, with roughly 8,800 U.S. openings a year.
What skills does a Respiratory Therapist use most?
Common skills for this role are Ventilator Management, Patient Assessment, Cardiopulmonary Physiology, Critical Care, and Communication.
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Take the major quizSalary and job-growth figures: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET OnLine (median annual wages May 2025; employment projections 2024-2034). National figures; actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.