Respiratory Therapists
Job Zone 3 - Medium preparation needed
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.
Median pay: $82,280/yr (U.S. national, May 2025)
Typical range nationwide (10th–90th percentile). This is a population snapshot, not a personal prediction - actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.
Job outlook: +12.1% projected growth, 2024–2034 — much faster than average.
About 8,800 openings per year, on average, over the decade.
Typical entry-level education: Associate's degree.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS and Employment Projections.
• 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.
What's the median pay for Respiratory Therapists?
The median pay for Respiratory Therapists is $82,280 per year, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
What's the job outlook for Respiratory Therapists?
Employment for Respiratory Therapists is projected to change +12.1% from 2024 to 2034 - much faster than average.
What education is typically required for Respiratory Therapists?
Typical entry-level education: Associate's degree.
How many job openings are there each year for Respiratory Therapists?
About 8,800 openings per year, on average, over the decade.