Respiratory Therapist Salary | Respiratory Therapist Job Overview, Education Requirements

How much money does a respiratory therapist make? What are the education requirements?
Respiratory therapists provide specialized care for patients who have trouble breathing. Their patients often suffer from serious respiratory disease, such as asthma or emphysema. Their patients range from premature infants with lung problems to elderly patients who have diseased lungs. Respiratory therapists are also called on to provide care during emergency situations, such as in a code blue.
Respiratory therapists operate various machines and use various procedures to enable their patients to breathe better. Here are some of the duties or tasks that a respiratory therapist will perform on the job:
Interview and examine patients with breathing or cardiopulmonary disorders
Consult with physicians to develop patient treatment plans
Perform diagnostic tests such as measuring lung capacity by having patients breathe into an instrument that measures the volume and flow of oxygen.
Take blood samples and use a blood gas analyzer to test oxygen and carbon dioxide levels.
Respond to code blue and other emergency situations
Education Requirements for Respiratory Therapy
Respiratory therapists need at least an associate’s degree, which can take approximately two years to complete. Some employers may prefer applicants who have a bachelor’s degree, but this can vary depending on the employer. Many colleges and universities, vocational-technical institutes, and the Armed Forces offer education and training programs. Most programs award an associate’s or bachelor’s degree.
Respiratory Therapist Salary Overview
As of 2014, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, respiratory therapists earned an average hourly wage of $28.12, and an annual salary of $58,490.
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[@RegisteredNurseRN]

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[@aswaths4508]

I currently have my bachelor's degree in India and did all of my schooling in India ......am I eligible to apply for masters in the United States of America

[@Dalemoultry]

I'm a disabled veteran, with some left leg mobility issues. My school (cpcc) accepted me for the fall of 2020, can't wait!!!

[@blacklikethesun]

GOOD LUCK DALE!

[@LSDANNY7x]

You're an inspiration 🙏

[@candygurl0728]

Awesome!!

[@RandomDropUp]

Good luck Dale!

[@lexdang2551]

As a Respiratory therapist, thank you for giving an accurate and honest description of who we are and what we do.

[@ilianaescorpion]

Who else is watching this in 2020 due to Covid-19?

[@trevorphillips2868]

Lol! Me!

[@recartelockhart8339]

I was thinking PT...but my mother a nurse of 30+ years said "there will be a large demand for RT after this covid-19 pandemic"

[@theeasthmaladyrt]

I like the breakdown of the RT profession. I can tell you guys asked RTs for their honest feedback on there likes and dislikes. I love the RT profession because its so flexible and always in demand. The career is what you make of it and you can climb up the ladder as an RT with an advance degree, experience and good reputation.

[@shug4654]

Great video I was deciding if I should become an LVN or RT and this video really expanded my thinking and got my wheels rolling on becoming an RT thank you for the advice .

[@eg7737]

I have 2 prerequisites left until I can apply for the respiratory program. I am very eager to start. :)

[@RegisteredNurseRN]

+Erick Gomez That's awesome! I'm sure you'll do great. I wish you the best of luck in your future RT career. -Ben

[@nechemia2011]

+Erick Gomez I LOVE MY JOB!!! keep going and dont let anyone discourage you!

[@eg7737]

+NECHEMIA B. Thank you for the words of encouragement. I am so happy so start the program.

[@gsabella4]

How is it going man? i'm interested in beginning school to become a RT. let me know what you think, also interested in Surgical tech school.

[@sikoabby8989]

@@nechemia2011 is respiratory therapist and cardiorespiratory the same?? I wish you all the best in your life.

[@rich5248]

I've been a registered respiratory therapist since 2012 and this was a good video.

[@Fabian......]

The pros and cons or likes and dislikes is a great addition to this series you should continue that in future videos. Great video, like always :)

[@RegisteredNurseRN]

+Fabian Osorio Thanks for the feedback and encouragement. I definitely plan to add that section to all of the newer videos.

[@shelbysuggs389]

I spent over 45 years in the profession of respiratory care. I was even called respiratory therapist at the nation in 2011 by who's who and healthcare administration.

[@shelbysuggs389]

Being a registered respiratory therapist has been very good to me

[@barc533]

@@shelbysuggs389 I'm applying for an RT program next semester, do you still recommend this career for someone interested in the medical field environment?

[@ArunKumar-yu4in]

Madam, respiratory therapist are works in operation theatre?, which type of surgeries they stay in operation theatre? My long day question, please answer me mam.

[@caribaez5711]

I am a long time subscriber for you guys and I am so hurt. I was wondering to transfer to university for health science and then be a registered nurse but in reality I see respiratory therapist and I feel this RT field is calling me. 🥺 A RN is very demanding. You are a little doctor. You need to study a lot and also they need to know a lot of biochemistry and chemistry. A nurse is marvelous but I feel not for me. 😭

[@RegisteredNurseRN]

Hey, Cari. I'm so sorry that you feel hurt and have been struggling with your career options. Respiratory therapy is a great profession within healthcare, and I've known several people who decided that R.T. was a better fit than nursing. Whatever you pursue, I'm sure that you'll do great and that God will bless you and use you to impact so many people. We know that you've always been a great subscriber and that you've encouraged us so many times with your comments. God bless, Sarah & Ben

[@unapologeticallynique2928]

Have two semesters left til my AA graduation then start my respiratory therapy program next summer have experience from taking care of my daughter who has a trach & vent & I feel I am called for this profession I got accepted to a nursing program and chose not to go through with it and I’m sticking with respiratory track

[@mar-yondaperkins1991]

Congratulations!!! I'm in my 1st year of RT program and I love it so far 🖤

[@unapologeticallynique2928]

@Preston White thanks 🙏🏾

[@unapologeticallynique2928]

@@mar-yondaperkins1991 that’s great glad to it enjoying it! Can’t wait til 2021 summer I start mine I just signed up for my last three classes of my AA the other day

[@Sunkissbabe2]

@@unapologeticallynique2928 heyyy can you offer some advice for someone who is new and looking into entering the program I’m just scared because it’s seems like you have to be smart for it and I’m nervous!!

[@zanetahinton2650]

@@Sunkissbabe2 you don’t have to be smart to do anything!! They are teaching you EVERYTHING you need to know!! You only have time and it’s going to pass no matter what you do. Go for what you want failure is only a lesson. Be determined and study, get help when you need it.

[@lockhamj]

I have asthma, this should be my career, goodbye computer science degree hello 2 year program

[@rizikimichieka7664]

I'm gonna be a respiratory therapist in few years.

[@CaseyChronicle]

DOPE vid! keep em comin:)

[@RegisteredNurseRN]

+Crillionair Thank you very much for the comment!

[@sandrastupp5814]

In school right now to get my bachelor's in RT!

[@reshmasaji564]

I am Respiratory therapy student from India.How can I get a job in UK?

[@bevertysue]

I'm currently going through the prerequisites for the respiratory therapist program (only 2 more classes!) and I was originally super excited to go through the program. however after reading some responses from the RTs online they make it seem so miserable. Is it really so bad, and even if it isn't the best of working conditions, is it worth it in the end? I mean its to be expected that working in a hospital has its ups and downs and its own set of difficulties but if you could choose again would you choose something else aside from RT?

[@RegisteredNurseRN]

+bevertysue Some RTs hate their job, and others love it. It just all depends on your own interests/attitude. If you're unsure, you may want to contact a local healthcare facility and ask to shadow an RT. Thanks for your comment!

[@mee8492]

Mousy Leigh hey you seem that you love being an RT. I still can’t determine whether I want to be a doctor or to be an RT can you give your advice what made you chose Respotory therapy

[@jessicajohnston5693]

So, how much is that per hour? I am trying to find a job that can help me pay for college so I can become a mental health therapist.

[@0621christina]

hey how are you? I want ask you if for a person that doesn't know perfect English could be difficult to go to college for respiratory therapy?

[@RegisteredNurseRN]

+christina carvajal You could get into respiratory therapy if English isn't your first language. However, exams and things like that will be in English, so it could be difficult for you to understand questions on exams if you can't speak English well. I'd recommend you spend some time trying to improve your English first, especially if you'd like to attend a U.S. (English speaking) school. Thanks for your question!

[@karinarios476]

Hola Christina! Ya 4 años q preguntaste ésto, cómo te ha ido? Aplicaste a alguna escuela? Quisiera saber xq estoy en la misma situación, mi Inglés no es perfecto, pero tampoco básico, de hecho ya casi temino las clases de requisito en colegio, pero no puedo decidirme entre enfermería o radiología. Mi indesición es x lo del inglés, siento miedo q no sea suficiente cuando entre nursing classes, todo mundo dice q es muy demandante. Cómo te fué a ti? Saludos.

[@beagsta]

Lmao sounds just like nurse Sarah 😂

[@MirajMusicUSA]

We def intubate and do art lines.

[@AngelCruz-zu6ob]

Im both and i like both

[@yvelsonchery4226]

Hi, I was accepted into Respiratory Tharapy care program Fall 2021 and at the same time I was put into a waiting list Physical Therapy Assistant for Fall 2022. I don’t really know which one will be better for me. I wondered if I have to wait next year to start Physical Therapy Assistant. Can someone advise me ?

[@giuliacammareri5137]

you will make was less money as a PTA. lol if that matters to you

[@theeasthmaladyrt]

I hope you went for RT. You finish your program and pass your exams, you got a job and able to make your money after 2 years if you don't feel connected to the career you can consider something else in the health field. Respiratory gets to be in all settings so can see it all.

[@daydreameryoga5439]

As a PTA, I'm actually planning on going back to school for Respiratory Therapy. PTA/Physical Therapy field is becoming over saturated, the demand is less, and there's very little room for advancement in salary unless you've been a PTA for years. If you absolutely love Physical Therapy, put in the extra time (and money) and become a DPT. Or try OT.

[@jessecamacho7042]

Can someone explain simple terms on how to become one because I don’t really get it 😅

[@doublemeatjesus]

you go to an RT school, takes about 1.5-2 years for an AA, pass your board exams, apply for a job.

[@jameelahvenus8354]

I was diagnosed with asthma n now i dont have it so i wanna study it , im nit good at math or science so what do i do ?

[@pump.queenz]

Apply yourself you can learn anything

[@ShutThatFacts]

Is there something good about being an EMT at the same time you are an RRT?

[@sunyquynh6157]

Hay quá

[@anon2218]

So cool

[@jrpzjrpz24]

Is a Respiratory Equipment Technician different?

[@CLi-re6kb]

Yes, they deal with stocking, sending equipment for sterilization, cleaning, and assembling equipment. Essentially, there is no patient care without a credentials and the license to.

[@archanakmani4527]

I have completed corse. How can i work in london. What all are exams i need to clear

[@Randomshares1009]

Do respiratory therapist need hesi or teas entrance exam?

[@LiquidSkittle]

Teas for the program I graduated in

[@6a6yPeaches]

I took hesi

[@theamethyst93]

Would you say that an rt could support herself on this salary? Is this a good salary

[@RegisteredNurseRN]

+theamethyst93 Hello! Yes, RTs definitely make a livable wage. Of course, it all depends on how you manage your money. Some doctors make $140K a year but live paycheck to paycheck. Some individuals make much less but manage their money well and save a lot. But generally speaking, yes, RTs make enough to support themselves. This is a fairly good salary. If you'd like to compare salary information, we have a playlist of videos similar to this one, and you can compare other salaries for different healthcare professions. Here's the link to that: kzbin.info/aero/PLQrdx7rRsKfVN0vmEP59Tx2bIaB_3Qhdh Thanks for your comment!

[@Knowmoneyknowlife]

Yes , it’s definitely a good salary. If you make what an RT makes you’re already making more than the average American house hold in one salary alone per year. This is enough of a salary to have a well raised family with a few kids.

[@timekiler]

do you need a GED or high school diploma. To go to Respiratory Therapist school ?

[@breahnadixon9518]

Either one

[@shauntaybelton1153]

Is it possible to start the first semester online ??

[@CLi-re6kb]

Even if a program does, I would stay away from it. In my program, I learned a lot of fundamental concepts and patient assessment skills during my first semester.

[@marilymartinez6719]

I want to start in this career but my inglish is not that good :(

[@henryhenry3725]

How it's been so far?

[@mohamadalshartah8436]

Same! Lol

[@MzBeautee]

If I have a Bachelors degree in Healthcare Administration, how do I become a respiratory therapist? Do I need to get another degree in respiratory?

[@caribaez5711]

You need to go to a RT program.

[@JonBrown-po7he]

Choose R.N., NOT respiratory therapist. Physicians refer to respiratory as 'ancillary', lumped in with C.N.A.s. Despite taking the same general education, prerequisites and sciences respiratory earns about 20% to 30% LESS THAN R.N.s. R.N.s and M.D.s ate lunch, conversed idly, and even dated/married; yet, NEARLY never, can the same be said of the LOWLY respiratory therapist. My usual contribution to the 'team' was, " SaO2 is something %" followed by, "ok, ya sure", by the Pulmonologist. 37 years of such 'team work' was not pleasant, or worth it. Further, the nature of the discipline greatly diminishes the areas needed, thus opportunities are diminished. Choose R.N., NOT respiratory therapist.

[@huntemall219]

I've been a RT for 13 years and have had nothing but respect and admiration from my co-workers. They know they can count on me in crazy situations. I would agree that RN would be better if you are looking to move forward but for the pay, being a RT is awesome.

[@aleenasony3208]

@@huntemall219 Hey there could you help me out , i would like to know the best masters courses that I can take after my bachelor's in RT. I will be done with my bachelor's in a year.

[@ventilateoxygenate4815]

I've seen you spread this negativity on several videos. Please stop spreading hate, go touch grass, read book, learn a new recipe, and get off KZbin! Lmao

[@porfiriato84]

Copy paste comment smh

[@runningbacktoyou]

@@ventilateoxygenate4815 he’s a nurse wannabe lol. i’m a RT student and I’m enjoying it 👍