Respiratory Therapy: Career Overview, Salary, and Job Outlook

Respiratory therapy continues to be one of the fastest‑growing and most stable healthcare careers in the United States. With rising rates of chronic lung disease and an aging population, the demand for skilled respiratory therapists (RTs) is expanding rapidly.

What Respiratory Therapists Do

Respiratory therapists care for patients who have difficulty breathing due to conditions such as asthma, COPD, pneumonia, or trauma. Their work spans all age groups, from premature infants to older adults.

Typical Responsibilities

• Assess and treat patients with breathing or cardiopulmonary disorders
• Administer oxygen therapy, medications, and chest physiotherapy
• Manage ventilators and life-support equipment
• Perform diagnostic tests such as pulmonary function tests
• Educate patients and families on lung health and equipment use
• Collaborate with physicians and nurses to develop treatment plans

Work Environment

Most RTs work full time in hospitals, especially in emergency rooms, ICUs, and neonatal units. Because hospitals operate 24/7, shifts may include nights, weekends, and holidays. RTs also work in outpatient clinics, nursing homes, and home health settings.

Education & Licensing Requirements

• Minimum education: Associate degree in respiratory therapy
• Preferred by some employers: Bachelor’s degree
• Licensure: Required in all states except Alaska; requirements vary
• Certification:
  • Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT)
  • Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT)

Programs typically include coursework in anatomy, physiology, therapeutic procedures, and clinical rotations for hands‑on experience.

Salary Expectations

Respiratory therapy offers competitive pay, especially for a role requiring a two‑year degree.

Median Annual Salary

• $80,450 (2024) according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
• $77,960 (2025) according to AARC data
• $77,960 (2026 projection) with top earners above $95,540; California averages $95,540

Salary Range

• Lowest 10%: Below $61,900
• Highest 10%: Above $108,820

Job Outlook

Respiratory therapy is growing much faster than average across all major sources.

Projected Growth

• 12% growth (2024–2034) — BLS
• 13% growth (2023–2033) — AARC
• 13% growth (2024–2034) — OpenExamPrep (2026 guide)

This translates to 8,000–8,800 job openings per year, driven by:

• Increased prevalence of chronic lung disease
• Aging population
• Need to replace retiring workers

Why Demand Is Rising

• Higher rates of asthma, COPD, and respiratory infections
• Greater need for ventilator management in critical care
• Expansion of outpatient and home‑based respiratory care

Career Advancement Opportunities

Respiratory therapists can specialize or move into leadership roles, including:

• Neonatal/pediatric care
• Critical care
• Pulmonary rehabilitation
• Sleep medicine (polysomnography)
• Home care
• Supervisory or administrative positions

Conclusion

Respiratory therapy is a high‑demand, well‑paid healthcare career with strong long‑term stability. With a relatively short educational path and opportunities for specialization, it offers an excellent pathway for those interested in patient care, technology, and cardiopulmonary health.

Look for a career guide, resume template, or school comparison to help you explore the field further.