Respiratory Therapists
O*NET 29-1126.00 · SOC 29-1126
Respiratory Therapist is a strong career choice. Median pay is $82k a year with +8.5% projected growth through 2035 (faster than average) and about 8,600 openings a year. AI exposure: Moderate.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Assess patients with breathing disorders
- →Administer oxygen and aerosol treatments
- →Manage ventilator settings
- →Monitor arterial blood gases
- →Educate patients on respiratory care
Education & How to Get In
Most Respiratory Therapist positions require an associate degree or vocational training. Many community colleges and technical schools offer relevant programs that can be completed in 1–2 years, often with hands-on clinical or lab experience built in.
Get Started Learning
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Work Environment
Hands-on, labs, workshops, or field sites
Mixed, alternates between solo focused work and collaboration
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a Respiratory Therapist involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Respiratory Therapist?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Respiratory Therapist Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
Similar Careers
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Job Outlook
Employment of Respiratory Therapists is projected to grow 8.5% from 2025 to 2035, faster than average for all occupations. The BLS flags this as a Bright Outlook occupation.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·34% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace
- ·27% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress
- ·Industry sector with low automation exposure
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does a Respiratory Therapist make?
The median Respiratory Therapist earns $82k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Respiratory Therapist jobs?
Our model puts Respiratory Therapist at 26 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is moderate, likely AI-complementary. The main drivers: 34% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace; 27% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress.
Is Respiratory Therapist a growing field?
Employment is projected to grow 8.5% between 2025 and 2035, which is faster than average. That works out to roughly 8,600 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be a Respiratory Therapist?
Most Respiratory Therapist roles expect an associate degree, apprenticeship or vocational certificate rather than a four-year degree.
How long does it take to become a Respiratory Therapist?
Typically one to two years, typically an associate degree, apprenticeship or vocational program. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 3 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is a Respiratory Therapist career right for you?
Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.
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