Respiratory Therapist (RRT)
Healthcare · $82,280 median · ~1.5–2 years training · Structurally ineligible for Workforce Pell
How we know this
The wage and outlook figures are verified against the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS/OOH 2025), last reviewed August 20, 2026. We show our sources so you can check every number yourself.
Honest tradeoffs
ptsd acute stress real
ICU/ER respiratory therapy involves life-and-death interventions, ventilator management of sedated patients, end-of-life respiratory care. PTSD and acute stress disorder rates elevated in RT workforce, particularly post-COVID.
shift work lifestyle
12-hour shifts with weekend and holiday coverage standard. Night shift rotation common. Sleep disruption affects long-term health.
Wages
Earnings by career stage
range · estimatedResearched estimates by experience level, setting, and region — see the full breakdown below. The BLS median is the one figure verified directly against bls.gov.
Pay by stage & setting
- Entry RT (recent grad) $55-65K
- Experienced general RT $70-82K
- Specialty RT (NICU, ICU, ECMO, sleep) $80-95K
- Supervisor/manager $90-115K
- Flight RT and travel RT $100K+. Significant shift differential opportunity for nights/weekends (15-25% premium). CA RT median significantly above national
- Travel RT during peak respiratory seasons (RSV/COVID surges) earns premium rates.
Workforce Pell eligibility
Not eligible for Workforce Pell
Training
Ways in
Paid, on-the-job training combined with classroom hours — you get a wage from day one instead of paying tuition.
Common sponsors: Hospital systems (HCA, Kaiser, Banner — hospital RT apprenticeships emerging), Some specialty home oxygen / sleep apnea providers
An associate degree or certificate — usually the fastest accredited credential, far cheaper than a four-year school, and often Workforce Pell–eligible.
Credentials you'll earnwith typical prep time
Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT)
National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC)
Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) — advanced credential
NBRC
RRT is the gold-standard credential; most employers require or strongly prefer. Achieved within 1-2 years of CRT typically.
Source ↗State Respiratory Therapist License
State Department of Health
Cost vs. payoff
- Training cost
- $9,000–$30,000
- Training pays for itself in
- about 4 months
The low end is the cheapest route in — a paid apprenticeship, community college, or employer-paid program (sometimes free); the high end is a private or for-profit school. The range is about which route you take, not extra certifications.
Getting started — your first moves
- 1
Find an apprenticeship
Apply to a registered apprenticeship — you earn a paycheck from day one while you train, instead of paying tuition.
- 2
Earn your first credential
Study for and pass the Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT).
- 3
Get hired and grow
Land an entry role and start building experience — pay climbs as you move up the career ladder above.
See it where you live
The figures above are national. Pay and programs vary a lot by state — pick yours and we'll send you straight to the official local data, no guessing.
Career ladder
Respiratory Therapist (CRT/RRT, entry)
Entry$77,960Entry; foundation in general respiratory therapy
Training: 2-year AAS + NBRC CRT + state license + BLS
Specialty RT (ICU, NICU, ECMO)
Year 3$92,000Major scope expansion + significant wage premium
Training: Specialty NBRC cert (ACCS or NPS) + ACLS/PALS + 2+ years experience
RT Manager or Senior Specialty RT
Year 7$120,000Path to RT director ($140K+); BS increasingly required for management
Training: Multi-specialty cert + leadership development OR BS Respiratory Therapy
In your state
State licensure
Data limitations
- • BLS OEWS May 2025 per-occupation detail tables not yet pushed
- • Wage figures use BLS-canonical estimate; direct verification recommended
- • Per-state and per-MSA RT wage tables
- • state_licensure_details — Priority 1 in C2
Common questions
How much does a Respiratory Therapist (RRT) make?
The median wage is $82,280 per year (BLS OEWS 2025). Most earn between $63,660 and $118,050. Actual pay varies by region, employer, and experience.
How long does it take to become a Respiratory Therapist (RRT)?
Typical training runs about 1.5 years. This is a non-degree path — no four-year college degree is required. Many people earn a paid wage during an apprenticeship instead of paying tuition.
Do you need a college degree to become a Respiratory Therapist (RRT)?
No. Respiratory Therapist (RRT) is a non-degree career path — you qualify through training, certification, and/or on-the-job experience rather than a four-year degree.
Is Respiratory Therapist (RRT) eligible for Workforce Pell funding?
Not structurally — the typical program runs longer than the federal Workforce Pell hour cap, so it generally won't qualify for Workforce Pell. Other financial aid may still apply.
Do you need a license to work as a Respiratory Therapist (RRT)?
Yes — all 50 states plus DC require a license to work independently. Requirements vary by state, so check your state board.
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