How Much Does a Respiratory Therapist Make? - Skills To Get Ahead In Your Career

If you’re interested in becoming a respiratory therapist, you may want to learn how much they can earn and how their salaries vary based on location. Understanding your potential income can help you decide what type of respiratory therapist position to apply for, which may affect which patients you work with. Learning which locations offer optimal salaries can also influence where you choose to live. In this article, we share how much respiratory therapists make in each state, explore different types of respiratory therapy and answer some frequently asked questions about the salary for this position.

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Respiratory therapists are health professionals who help treat patients with heart and lung problems such as asthma, cystic fibrosis, sleep apnea, chronic bronchitis and congenital heart defects. Some of their most common job responsibilities include:

Examining patients who have pulmonary diseases, complications or disorders

Collaborating on treatment plans with doctors, nurses and other healthcare providers

Evaluating a patient’s progress with different treatment plans

Updating charts and records to document patient care

Training patients to administer treatments and use equipment at home

Performing diagnostic tests to assess lung capacity and health

Treating patients with aerosol medications and chest physiotherapy

Administering inhalants

Operating mechanical ventilators and other medical equipment

Providing outpatient recommendations

The field of respiratory therapy also includes specialist roles that respiratory therapists can choose to focus on. To specialize in a particular area and advance their careers, therapists typically accumulate additional certifications and gain on-the-job experience.

While the national average salary for respiratory therapists is .css-1v152rs{border-radius:0;color:#2557a7;font-family:”Noto Sans”,”Helvetica Neue”,”Helvetica”,”Arial”,”Liberation Sans”,”Roboto”,”Noto”,sans-serif;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;-webkit-transition:border-color 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),background-color 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),opacity 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),border-bottom-color 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),border-bottom-style 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),border-bottom-width 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),border-radius 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),box-shadow 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),color 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1);transition:border-color 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),background-color 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),opacity 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),border-bottom-color 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),border-bottom-style 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),border-bottom-width 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),border-radius 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),box-shadow 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),color 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1);border-bottom:1px solid;cursor:pointer;}.css-1v152rs:hover{color:#164081;}.css-1v152rs:active{color:#0d2d5e;}.css-1v152rs:focus{outline:none;border-bottom:1px solid;border-bottom-color:transparent;border-radius:4px;box-shadow:0 0 0 1px;}.css-1v152rs:focus:not([data-focus-visible-added]){box-shadow:none;border-bottom:1px solid;border-radius:0;}.css-1v152rs:hover,.css-1v152rs:active{color:#164081;}.css-1v152rs:visited{color:#2557a7;}@media (prefers-reduced-motion: reduce){.css-1v152rs{-webkit-transition:none;transition:none;}}.css-1v152rs:focus:active:not([data-focus-visible-added]){box-shadow:none;border-bottom:1px solid;border-radius:0;}, this amount can fluctuate based on experience level, educational background and location. The demand for respiratory services in your area can also impact your salary. Finally, the type of practice or healthcare department you choose to work for can determine how much you earn. Some places respiratory therapists commonly work include:

Intensive care units

Rehabilitation centers

Sub-acute units

General hospital floors

Pediatric healthcare units

Pulmonary function labs

Outpatient facilities

Sleep disorder centers

Salaries for respiratory therapists can vary based on the resources available and the demand for respiratory therapy services in a particular state. To learn the average salary for a respiratory therapist in your state, consider the information below:

READ MORE What Is a Flat Rate

As a respiratory therapist, you may specialize in one or more areas. Some of the most common types of respiratory therapy that you can concentrate on include:

This type of respiratory therapy typically takes place in a hospital or emergency room setting where respiratory therapists work with a team of medical professionals to help patients recover from critical conditions such as heart surgery, lung failure or pneumonia. Respiratory therapists may assist with complicated surgeries, perform emergency resuscitation or cardiopulmonary procedures and provide life support for patients in need of critical care.

Respiratory therapists who work in adult respiratory therapy help provide routine care for people who are recovering from surgery or a traumatic event. They may also work with adults who have chronic diseases, such as cystic fibrosis or emphysema. Adult respiratory therapists can use pulmonary rehabilitation practices to help patients improve their breathing capacity. Adult respiratory therapy may also include working with adults who are attempting to quit smoking or who have sleep apnea. This work can take place in a hospital, outpatient facility or home setting.

Pediatric respiratory therapists work with infants and children to help them recover from cardiopulmonary and respiratory issues, such as congenital heart defects or newborn respiratory distress syndrome. In these cases, respiratory therapists may work in a hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit. Pediatric respiratory therapists can also work with children and adolescents who have asthma to help them manage their symptoms.

Respiratory therapists who specialize in geriatric treatment can work with elderly adults in hospitals, through outpatient facilities or within a patient’s home. Common diseases geriatric respiratory therapists treat include respiratory tract infections, bronchial pneumonia and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Respiratory therapists can help increase breathing efficiency for elderly adults and work with them to manage their symptoms.

Here are some answers to common questions about respiratory therapy:

To become a respiratory therapist, you can obtain a degree that meets the requirements of the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care. Many respiratory therapists choose to pursue a bachelor’s degree, but you may also become a respiratory therapist with an associate degree. In these programs, you can receive training on how to perform diagnostic tests and patient assessments. Additional coursework typically covers topics such as:

Anatomy

Microbiology

Mathematics

Pharmacology

Chemistry

Most employers require respiratory therapists to obtain a state license and two certifications from the National Board for Respiratory Care. These certifications include:

Entry-level respiratory therapists typically earn the CRT. This certification allows therapists to suggest therapeutic strategies. CRTs typically assist doctors and work under their supervision.

Respiratory therapists often receive this advanced certification after completing an Associate of Science in respiratory care and a certification exam. Depending on their employer and state, therapists who earn the RRT certification may manage emergency patients or conduct complex procedures.

In addition to the supervised practical training provided by your degree program, you may consider pursuing an internship to gain work experience. This can help you attract the attention of hiring managers when you apply for your first respiratory therapist job. It can also connect you with other medical professionals, which can help you build a positive reputation in your industry.

While most employers only require basic certifications, earning additional certifications can help you advance to a career in a specific medical unit or practice. To attain a specialized certification, the National Board for Respiratory Care requires respiratory therapists to pass an exam that evaluates their understanding of a specific aspect of cardiopulmonary care. Some specialized certifications you may pursue include:

Certified Pulmonary Function Technologist (CPFT)

Neonatal/Pediatric Respiratory Care Specialist (NPS)

Registered Pulmonary Function Technologist (RPFT)

Sleep Disorders Specialist (SDS)

In addition to receiving a salary, many respiratory therapists receive benefits from their employers. Some of the most common benefits respiratory therapists receive include:

Life insurance

Prescription drug insurance

Disability insurance

Dependent care reimbursement

A health savings account

License reimbursement

Vision insurance

A flexible spending account

Respiratory therapists may also be eligible for referral program bonuses, cell phone and mileage reimbursement and employee stock purchase plans depending on their company.

Here are some important skills that can help you advance in your career as a respiratory therapist:

Respiratory therapists typically use their verbal and written communication skills to relay information to other medical professionals. When speaking with patients, respiratory therapists also communicate medical information in terms that are easy to understand. You can practice your communication skills by actively listening to patients and encouraging them to ask questions.

As a respiratory therapist, you may spend the majority of your shift standing up. You can maintain and improve your stamina by eating well, exercising regularly and getting an adequate amount of sleep.

Respiratory therapists often pay close attention to details to ensure patients receive appropriate care and treatments. They also maintain patient records carefully. Honing your organizational skills, observing your surroundings and practicing effective time management can make it easier for you to notice key details as a respiratory therapist.

Practicing compassion can help respiratory therapists build trust and develop stronger relationships with their clients. To express compassion, consider maintaining a calm demeanor, making eye contact with your patients and trying to empathize with their situation. This can also help you make a patient’s treatment more comfortable.

Respiratory therapists often need to make quick decisions to ensure the best possible outcome for their patients. Developing your problem-solving skills can help you assess challenging situations, gather necessary information and determine which treatment options are the most effective.

Respiratory therapists rely on their science and math skills to administer the correct treatment plans to their patients. You can develop your science and math skills by reading medical journals, attending conferences and staying informed about the latest advancements in your field.

Please note that none of the companies mentioned in this article are affiliated with Indeed.