A respiratory therapist helps patients breathe by managing and treating lung and breathing disorders. It is hands-on, in demand, and you can enter the field with an associate degree. Here is what the work involves, what it takes, and how to get in.
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Respiratory therapists care for patients with breathing problems and lung disease. You monitor patients during treatment, check that equipment is working properly, and document their progress. You assist doctors and nurses by gathering information about each patient's condition and helping them understand their care. You stay current with medical knowledge and make decisions about treatment adjustments. The work happens in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings where you interact directly with patients and their families every day.
Core work activities
Career video courtesy of CareerOneStop.
Respiratory Therapists earn a median of $82,280 a year, based on 2025 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and location.
The outlook is strong. Employment is projected to grow 12 percent from 2024 to 2034, much faster than average for all occupations, with about 8,800 openings a year.
Top skills
Knowledge areas
You will need an associate degree, which typically takes two years of full-time study. Your coursework covers medicine, biology, and patient care skills. During your education, you will learn to monitor patients, think critically about their needs, listen actively to what they tell you, and communicate clearly with the healthcare team. After completing your degree, you will need to meet licensing requirements in your state. Many programs include clinical experience so you can practice these skills before entering the workforce.
Most respiratory therapists start with an associate degree program. If you are deciding between different education paths or want to map out your next steps, Pathly can map the respiratory therapist path that fits you with your school counselor to build a plan that fits your timeline and goals.
Many respiratory therapists must be licensed, and professional certifications can strengthen your resume.
Common certifications
Licensing is handled at the state level and the requirements vary, so check the licensing board in your state. Pathly shows your state's specific steps inside your roadmap.
You are drawn to hands-on work, solving real problems, and caring for people. You think through challenges carefully and communicate well with others.
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Last updated July 1, 2026.
Data sources. Career details from the O*NET 30.3 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under CC BY 4.0. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Salary and outlook figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025 wages; 2024–2034 projections), delivered via the CareerOneStop API. Certification, licensing, wage, and outlook data from CareerOneStop, sponsored by USDOL/ETA and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).