What does a respiratory therapist do? Duties, pay, education and outlook
Respiratory therapists care for patients who have trouble breathing, from premature infants to older adults with conditions such as asthma or COPD. Most need an associate's degree and a state license. BLS reports a median pay of $82,280 per year (May 2025).
At a glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| SOC code | 29-1126 |
| O*NET code | 29-1126.00 |
| Typical entry education | Associate's degree |
| Median annual wage | $82,280 per year (May 2025) |
| Projected growth | 9 percent (much faster than average), 2025 to 2035 |
| Number of jobs | 142,000 (2025) |
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, accessed 31 October 2026.
What does a respiratory therapist do?
BLS says respiratory therapists treat conditions such as asthma and COPD in patients ranging from premature infants to older adults. They interview and examine patients with breathing or heart and lung disorders, consult physicians on treatment plans, perform diagnostic tests, treat patients with a range of methods, monitor and record progress, and teach patients to take medications and use equipment.
Work environment
Most respiratory therapists work full time, often in facilities open around the clock, so shifts can include nights, weekends and holidays. Hospitals employ 80 percent. Nursing care facilities employ 4 percent, offices of other health practitioners 3 percent and offices of physicians 3 percent.
Education, training and licensing
BLS says the typical education is an associate's degree in respiratory therapy from an accredited program, and some employers prefer a bachelor's degree. Licensure is required in all states except Alaska, where national certification is recommended. It usually requires passing a state or professional exam, and certifications include CRT and RRT.
Skills that matter
BLS lists compassion, attention to detail, interpersonal skills, patience and problem-solving as important qualities for this work.
How much does a respiratory therapist make?
BLS reports a median annual wage of $82,280 for respiratory therapists (May 2025). The median is the wage at which half of workers earned more and half earned less. See the OOH pay tab and the OEWS data for your area. Our guide to researching pay explains how to read the figures.
Job outlook
BLS projects employment of respiratory therapists to grow 9 percent from 2025 to 2035, which BLS labels much faster than average. For comparison, BLS projects 3 percent growth for all occupations over the same period. About 8,600 openings are projected each year on average. BLS says most openings come from replacing workers who transfer to other occupations or leave the labor force, for example to retire.
How to get hired
- Check your state licensing board for exam and certification requirements before you apply.
- Show results on your resume: the tools you used, the volume you handled and the outcomes, without private customer or employer details.
- If you lack experience, see the no-experience resume guide.
- Practice with the interview prep hub.
When you are ready, search jobs on LiveRec.
Related occupations
Registered nurses, Physical therapists, Occupational therapists, Radiation therapists, Medical and health services managers.
Frequently asked questions
Do respiratory therapists need a license? BLS says licensure is required in all states except Alaska, where national certification is recommended. It usually requires passing a state or professional exam.
What degree do respiratory therapists need? BLS lists an associate's degree in respiratory therapy from an accredited program as typical. Some employers prefer a bachelor's degree.
How much do respiratory therapists make? BLS reports a median annual wage of $82,280 for respiratory therapists (May 2025). Half of workers earned more and half earned less. Pay varies by employer, region and experience.
Is respiratory therapist a good career? BLS projects 9 percent growth from 2025 to 2035 (much faster than average). About 8,600 openings are projected each year. Whether it fits you depends on the work itself, so read the duties and work environment above.
Related guides
- What Does a Registered Nurse Do? Duties, Pay, Outlook
- Physical Therapist: Duties, Pay, Education, Outlook
- What Does an Occupational Therapist Do? Duties, Pay, Outlook
- Medical and Health Services Manager: Pay, Outlook
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Respiratory therapists: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/respiratory-therapists.htm (accessed 31 October 2026)
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ (accessed 31 October 2026)
- O*NET OnLine, 29-1126.00: https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/29-1126.00 (accessed 31 October 2026)
This is general information, not legal, tax or immigration advice. Rules change and your situation may differ. Consult a licensed attorney or qualified adviser.