Respiratory Therapist
Respiratory Therapists are specialized healthcare professionals who diagnose, treat, and manage patients with cardiopulmonary diseases under physician direction.
Loading programs...
Getting Started
How to Become a Respiratory Therapist
At 2.3 years to get started, this is typical for Associate Degree-level careers.
Complete Education
Earn your Associate Degree (typically 2.3 years) at an estimated cost of $15k–$33k.
Get Licensed or Certified
Complete any state-required licensing or certification exams for respiratory therapist practice.
Begin Working
Respiratory Therapist earn a median salary of $78k/yr, with entry-level positions starting somewhat lower.
Education costs from College Scorecard. Training timelines from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Pathway quick answers
- How do you become a Respiratory Therapist?Complete required education, licensing, and supervised training for Respiratory Therapist.
- How long does it take?Typical path to first paid role: 2.3 years.
- How much does it cost?Estimated education and training cost range: $15k-$33k (living expenses excluded).
Estimates use College Scorecard tuition data plus cited pathway and licensing requirements.
Overview
What Does a Respiratory Therapist Do?
Respiratory Therapists are specialized healthcare professionals who diagnose, treat, and manage patients with cardiopulmonary diseases under physician direction. You'll work with patients experiencing breathing difficulties, from premature infants with underdeveloped lungs to elderly patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Your expertise is critical in life-threatening situations, particularly in intensive care units and emergency departments where you'll manage mechanical ventilators and other life-support equipment.
On the Job
Compensation
How Much Does a Respiratory Therapist Make?
At $78k/yr, respiratory therapist earn more than most Associate Degree-level careers, where the average is $72k/yr.
$78k/yr
median annual salary
How It Compares
| Career | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Respiratory Therapist | $78k/yr |
| EKG/ECG Technician | $63k/yr |
| Ultrasound Technician | $85k/yr |
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer | $85k/yr |
| Cardiovascular Technician | $63k/yr |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2024
After investing roughly $24k in education, respiratory therapist typically begin earning within 2.3 years. Based on entry-level salaries of $58k/yr growing toward a $78k/yr median. The average education cost for Associate Degree-level careers is $27k.
Respiratory Therapist ROI
Net earnings over 20 years
$1.4M
Pre-tax 20-year estimate after required education and training costs; taxes and living expenses excluded.
How the 20-year estimate is calculated
Respiratory Therapist Career ROI (20-year net earnings)
Track how education costs and earnings typically accumulate from enrollment through year 20.
Cumulative net earnings (USD)
The full chart keeps 20-year context. The detail chart below zooms in on early pathway years.
Sources: BLS, College ScorecardSee Sources and methods.
Early-years detail
Years 0-8
Years 0-8. Scaled to early-year values. Black markers show key checkpoints.
Quick answers
- Is becoming a Respiratory Therapist financially worth it?Typical 20-year net estimate: $1.4M (pre-tax, living expenses excluded).
- How much does training cost for a Respiratory Therapist?Estimated required education and licensing cost to become a Respiratory Therapist: $24k (range used: $15k-$33k). Breakdown: Associate Degree in Respiratory Care: $24k.
- How long does it take to become a Respiratory Therapist?Typical time to first paycheck is about 2.3 years. Typical time to enter the target Respiratory Therapist role is about 2.3 years.
- How do you become a Respiratory Therapist?See How to Become for pathway steps, timing, and credential requirements.
Detailed math
How 20-year net is built from each training and career phase.
| Phase | Time window | Gross earnings | Education/training cost | Net contribution | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Associate Degree in Respiratory Care Education | Years 0-1 (m0-m23) | $0 | -$24,244 | -$24,244 | |
NBRC TMC Examination Training/Licensing | Year 2 (m24-m25) | $0 | $0 | $0 | |
State Licensure Training/Licensing | Year 2 (m28-m28) | $0 | $0 | $0 | |
Entry-Level Respiratory Therapist Career | Years 2-19 (m28-m238) | $1,370,867 | $0 | $1,370,867 | |
Model reconciliation Reconciliation | Years 0-20 (m0-m239) | $6,426 | $0 | $6,426 | None |
| 20-year totals | $1,377,293 | -$24,244 | $1,353,049 | Matches 20-year ROI formula | |
Sources and methods
Sources
Assumptions
- Pathway sequence and timing follow the cited training and licensing pathway for this role.BLS
- Earnings benchmarks come from cited occupation wage references.BLS
- Education and training cost uses College Scorecard tuition and cited pathway fees when needed.College Scorecard
- Cost allocation follows a model rule: short completed steps post in completion year; longer tuition steps are spread across phase years.Model ruleBLSCollege Scorecard
- Taxes and living expenses are excluded from this estimate.Model rule
Future-Proofing
Respiratory Therapist Job Outlook (2024–2034)
Employment Growth
The BLS projects 8.4% growth over the next decade, roughly in line with the 7% average for Associate Degree-level careers.
10-Year Growth
8.4%
Much faster than average
Current Employment
133,300
jobs nationwide
AI Impact
High AI Impact
Respiratory Therapist roles face significant AI impact — higher AI exposure than most Associate Degree-level careers. AI independently handles one or more major task components in this field. Core responsibilities like state licensing requirements require human presence and judgment that AI cannot replicate.
Why It's Safe
- +Assisting and caring for others
- +Handling and moving objects
- +Establishing and maintaining interpersonal relationships
- +Performing general physical activities
- +Coaching and developing others
What Could Be Automated
- −Documenting/recording information
- −Getting information
- −Making decisions and solving problems
- −Monitoring processes, materials, or surroundings
- −Evaluating information to determine compliance with standards
Based on evidence-based AI impact methodology and Bureau of Labor Statistics projections
Explore More
Similar Careers to Compare
EKG/ECG Technician
Ultrasound Technician
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
Cardiovascular Technician
Radiation Therapist
Learn More
Related Guides
Occupational Therapist Salary
Occupational therapy offers competitive salaries and growth opportunities in health care. Learn more about how much you can make as an occupation therapist.
Physical TherapistPhysical Therapist Salary
Physical therapists in the United States earn an average annual salary of $100,440.
Recreational TherapistRecreational Therapist Salary
Recreational therapists earn an average of $60,910 annually.
Sources
These references are used to build salary, training-path, and job-outlook estimates shown on this page.
- •Bureau of Labor Statistics (occupation wage data)
- •O*NET OnLine
- •College Scorecard, U.S. Department of Education
Advanced Methodology
Education cost source id: college_scorecard_2025
Source update dates: BLS OEWS: 2024-05 · BLS Projections: 2024-09 · O*NET: 2024-12