Respiratory Therapist Jobs Available Now Across the United States

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, respiratory therapists work in a range of settings including hospitals, physicians offices, nursing care facilities, and home health agencies. Specialization significantly impacts both salary and career trajectory in this growing field.

Staff Respiratory Therapist

Provide day to day respiratory care including ventilator management, oxygen therapy, and bronchodilator treatments in hospital settings

ICU Respiratory Therapist

Manage critically ill patients on mechanical ventilation in intensive care units, collaborating closely with intensivists and critical care nurses

Neonatal and Pediatric RT

Deliver specialized respiratory care to premature infants, newborns, and pediatric patients in NICUs and pediatric ICUs

Pulmonary Rehabilitation Therapist

Design and implement exercise and education programs for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, and other lung conditions

Sleep Disorder Specialist RT

Conduct polysomnography studies and manage CPAP and BiPAP therapy for patients diagnosed with sleep apnea and related disorders

Travel Respiratory Therapist

Work temporary assignments at hospitals nationwide through staffing agencies, often earning significantly higher compensation than permanent staff

Core Responsibilities of a Respiratory Therapist

According to O*NET OnLine, managed by the U.S. Department of Labor, respiratory therapists perform a defined set of clinical functions that span assessment, treatment, emergency response, and patient education. Understanding these responsibilities helps applicants present their experience in terms employers immediately recognize.

Assess patients with breathing or cardiopulmonary disorders and develop individualized care plans

Initiate, manage, and wean patients from mechanical ventilation in acute and critical care settings

Administer aerosol medications, bronchodilators, and oxygen therapy as prescribed

Perform and interpret pulmonary function tests and arterial blood gas analyses

Respond to and assist in managing respiratory emergencies and code events

Educate patients and families on disease management, inhaler technique, and home oxygen use

Collaborate with physicians, nurses, and interdisciplinary teams on respiratory care protocols

Maintain and troubleshoot ventilators, CPAP machines, and other respiratory equipment

Respiratory Therapist Salaries by Role

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, respiratory therapist compensation varies by credential level, specialization, and geographic location. The following figures reflect approximate national annual salary ranges for common RT positions.

Role	Low End	Median	High End
Entry Level CRT	$48,000	$57,000	$68,000
Staff RRT (Hospital)	$58,000	$72,000	$88,000
ICU Respiratory Therapist	$65,000	$80,000	$100,000
Neonatal RT (NICU)	$68,000	$84,000	$105,000
Travel Respiratory Therapist	$80,000	$105,000	$130,000
Lead RT / Supervisor	$72,000	$88,000	$110,000

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics. Figures are approximate annual salary ranges and may vary by state, employer, and credential level.

Top Employers Hiring Respiratory Therapists

Respiratory therapists are in demand across major hospital systems, specialty care centers, and travel staffing agencies. The following organizations are among the most active and consistent employers of RT talent in the United States.

HCA Healthcare

Hospital System

Staff RT, ICU RT, Respiratory Care Supervisor

Ascension Health

Hospital System

Respiratory Therapist, Pulmonary Rehab Specialist

CommonSpirit Health

Hospital System

CRT, RRT, Neonatal Respiratory Therapist

Kaiser Permanente

Integrated Health System

Respiratory Care Practitioner, Sleep Lab RT

AMR / Global Medical Response

Emergency Services

Critical Care Transport RT, Air Medical RT

Aya Healthcare / AMN Healthcare

Travel Staffing

Travel RT, Contract Respiratory Therapist

NBRC Credentials for Respiratory Therapists

According to the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC), credentialing is a critical component of professional practice for respiratory therapists in the United States. The following credentials are the national standard recognized by state licensing boards and hospital employers across the country.

Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT)

Issued by: National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC)

The entry level national credential for respiratory therapists in the United States, required for licensure in most states. According to the NBRC, the CRT exam validates foundational clinical competency in respiratory care practice.

Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT)

Issued by: National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC)

The advanced national credential that most hospitals require for ICU, neonatal, and supervisory roles. RRT certified therapists consistently earn higher salaries and have access to a broader range of specialized positions.

Neonatal and Pediatric Specialty (NPS)

Issued by: National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC)

A specialty credential for respiratory therapists working in NICUs and pediatric critical care units. The NPS designation is highly valued by children's hospitals and level III and IV neonatal centers nationwide.

Adult Critical Care Specialty (ACCS)

Issued by: National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC)

Demonstrates advanced competency in the management of adult critically ill patients requiring mechanical ventilation and complex cardiopulmonary support. Widely sought by ICUs and trauma centers.

Licensure and Requirements to Practice as an RT

According to the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC), respiratory therapy is a licensed profession in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Understanding and satisfying these requirements before applying is essential to avoiding delays in the hiring process.

State Licensure

According to the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC), all 50 states and the District of Columbia require respiratory therapists to be licensed or registered to practice. Licensing requirements vary by state but typically require passing the NBRC CRT or RRT examination.

Education Requirement

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, respiratory therapists must complete an accredited associate or bachelor's degree program in respiratory therapy. Programs are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC).

Continuing Education

Most state licensing boards require respiratory therapists to complete continuing education units (CEUs) as a condition of license renewal, typically every two years. Requirements vary by state.

BLS and ACLS Certification

Basic Life Support (BLS) certification is required before clinical practice in virtually all settings. Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) is required for ICU and critical care roles by the majority of hospital employers.

Career Growth for Respiratory Therapists

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, employment of respiratory therapists is projected to grow 13% from 2022 to 2032, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. An aging population, increasing prevalence of respiratory conditions, and the lasting impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on pulmonary care demand are all accelerating this growth.

CRT

Entry level practice and general respiratory care

RRT

Advanced credential for ICU and specialty roles

NPS or ACCS

Specialty certification in neonatal or critical care

Lead RT / Manager

Department leadership and program management

Tips for Landing a Respiratory Therapist Job

Pursue the RRT Credential as Early as Possible

While the CRT allows you to begin working, the RRT credential from the National Board for Respiratory Care unlocks significantly higher paying positions and is required by most ICU and specialty employers. Prioritizing the RRT exam shortly after graduation dramatically expands your career options.

Specialize in High Demand Areas

Neonatal and pediatric respiratory therapy (NPS) and adult critical care (ACCS) are among the most in demand and highest compensated specialties. Pursuing these credentials after earning your RRT signals to employers that you are ready for complex patient care environments.

Consider Travel Assignments to Boost Earnings

With at least one to two years of staff experience, transitioning to travel respiratory therapy through agencies such as Aya Healthcare or AMN Healthcare can significantly increase your income through higher base rates, housing stipends, and completion bonuses.

Verify State Licensure Requirements Before Applying

Because licensure requirements differ by state, confirm you meet the specific requirements for the state where you are applying before submitting your application. The American Association for Respiratory Care maintains a state by state licensure resource that can help you navigate each state's process.

Frequently Asked Questions About Respiratory Therapist Jobs

What does a respiratory therapist do?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, respiratory therapists evaluate, treat, and care for patients with breathing and cardiopulmonary disorders. They work under the direction of physicians to manage patients on mechanical ventilators, administer inhaled medications, conduct pulmonary function tests, and respond to respiratory emergencies in hospitals and other healthcare settings.

How do I become a respiratory therapist in the United States?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, becoming a respiratory therapist requires completing an accredited associate or bachelor's degree program in respiratory therapy, passing the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) CRT examination, and obtaining a state license. Most employers additionally require or strongly prefer the advanced RRT credential. The entire process from enrollment to first job typically takes two to four years.

How much do respiratory therapists earn?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program, the median annual wage for respiratory therapists is approximately $70,000 to $75,000 nationally. Specialized roles in neonatal ICUs and adult critical care units, as well as travel positions, command significantly higher compensation, with experienced RRTs often earning $85,000 to $130,000 per year.

Is there a shortage of respiratory therapists in the US?

Yes. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, employment of respiratory therapists is projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations through 2032. An aging population, high prevalence of chronic lung diseases such as COPD and asthma, and sustained demand for critical care staffing are all driving significant shortages of qualified RTs across the country.

What is the difference between a CRT and an RRT?

According to the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC), the Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) is the entry level credential while the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) is the advanced credential requiring additional clinical knowledge and examination performance. Most ICU, neonatal, and supervisory positions require the RRT. Many states accept the CRT for licensure but employers in high acuity settings typically require or strongly prefer the RRT designation.

Are travel respiratory therapist jobs worth it?

Travel respiratory therapist positions are among the highest paying in the profession. According to industry data, travel RTs frequently earn 30% to 60% more than permanent staff in equivalent roles, particularly at facilities experiencing critical staffing shortages. Benefits typically include housing stipends, travel reimbursements, and completion bonuses. Travel positions are best suited for experienced RRTs with at least one to two years of staff experience.

Disclaimer: The salary figures, employment projections, and licensure information cited on this page are sourced from publicly available reports by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the U.S. Department of Labor, O*NET OnLine, the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC), and the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC). Actual wages, licensure requirements, and job availability may vary by state, employer, and credential level. Oh My Job is an independent job search platform and aggregates listings from third party sources. Always verify job details, qualifications, and compensation directly with the hiring organization before applying.