Respiratory therapists
SOC Code: 29-1126Also known as:
Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Respiratory Therapist, Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT), Hospital Respiratory Therapist, Inhalation Therapist, NICU Respiratory Therapist (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Respiratory Therapist)
Median Annual Salary
$80,450
+12.1% growth (2024-2034)
9K
Openings/Year
140K
Current Jobs
What Respiratory therapists Do
Assess, treat, and care for patients with breathing disorders. Assume primary responsibility for all respiratory care modalities, including the supervision of respiratory therapy technicians. Initiate and conduct therapeutic procedures; maintain patient records; and select, assemble, check, and operate equipment.
💰 Salary
$80,450
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+12.1%
Much faster than average
🎓 Education
Associate's degree
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
9K
Projected average per year
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
139,600
Projected Employment (2034)
156,400
Related Careers
Radiation therapists
$101,990 •
+1.9% growth
Registered nurses
$93,600 •
+4.9% growth
Cardiovascular technologists and technicians
$67,260 •
+3.0% growth
Paramedics
$58,410 •
+5.0% growth
Top Skills Required
Active Listening
Critical Thinking
Monitoring
Speaking
Reading Comprehension
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Provide emergency care, such as artificial respiration, external cardiac massage, or assistance with cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
- Monitor patient's physiological responses to therapy, such as vital signs, arterial blood gases, or blood chemistry changes, and consult with physician if adverse reactions occur.
- Set up and operate devices, such as mechanical ventilators, therapeutic gas administration apparatus, environmental control systems, or aerosol generators, following specified parameters of treatment.
- Work as part of a team of physicians, nurses, or other healthcare professionals to manage patient care by assisting with medical procedures or related duties.
- Maintain charts that contain patients' pertinent identification and therapy information.
- Read prescription, measure arterial blood gases, and review patient information to assess patient condition.
- Relay blood analysis results to a physician.
- Inspect, clean, test, and maintain respiratory therapy equipment to ensure equipment is functioning safely and efficiently, ordering repairs when necessary.
- Explain treatment procedures to patients to gain cooperation and allay fears.
- Make emergency visits to resolve equipment problems.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
Associate's degree
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Associate's Degree
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Respiratory therapists
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a respiratory therapists:
Respiratory Care Therapy/Therapist
6,686 degrees awarded •
382 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Respiratory therapists
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become respiratory therapists.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do respiratory therapists make?
The median annual salary for respiratory therapists is $80,450.
What education do respiratory therapists need?
Most respiratory therapists positions require a associate's degree.
Common degree programs include Respiratory Care Therapy/Therapist.
Is becoming respiratory therapists a good career choice?
Respiratory therapists is projected to see +12.1% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is much faster than average for all occupations. With approximately 8,800 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for respiratory therapists?
Top colleges for aspiring respiratory therapists include
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, University of North Carolina Wilmington, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Salisbury University, University of Kansas.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to respiratory therapists?
Respiratory therapists may also be known as: Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Respiratory Therapist, Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT), Hospital Respiratory Therapist, Inhalation Therapist, NICU Respiratory Therapist (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Respiratory Therapist), Oxygen Therapist, Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT), Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP), Respiratory Therapist (RT), Staff Respiratory Therapist, Staff Therapist, Travel Registered Respiratory Therapist (Travel RRT), Travel Respiratory Therapist.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.