Respiratory Therapist
Respiratory Therapists
SOC 29-1126
How Much Does a Respiratory Therapist Make?
The national median salary for a Respiratory Therapist is $77,960 per year ($37.48/hour), according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2024 data).
That's 19% above the national median salary of $65,470 for all occupations.
How to Become a Respiratory Therapist
Associate's in respiratory therapy (2yr). Bachelor's increasingly common.
NBRC credential (CRT/RRT) + state license
Respiratory Therapist Job Outlook
Much faster than avg — the BLS projects 8% growth from 2024 to 2034.
That's significantly faster than the average across all occupations (4%).
About 7,100 positions are expected to open annually, from both new roles and replacement needs.
COPD/asthma prevalence; critical care demand
What It's Like to Work as a Respiratory Therapist
This role involves significant physical labor.
This role typically requires in-person work at a specific location.
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Career data sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2024-34 projections (released August 2025). Salary data: BLS OEWS May 2024.
View on BLS.gov