Healthcare

Respiratory Therapist

A comprehensive guide to Respiratory Therapist licensing requirements across all 50 states. Compare median salaries, educational prerequisites, and processing timelines to plan your next career move effectively.

Median Salary

$79,761 / yr

Min. Education

Varies by state board

Job Outlook

Below national median; evaluate local demand

Top Paying State

New York

Coverage: 50 states

Best StatesWeighted score Highest PayingAnnual median salary Fastest LicenseShortest typical licensing path Lowest CostLowest parsed initial licensing fee

Downloadable Guide

The Complete Respiratory Therapist Career Guide

Get a focused career roadmap with licensing steps, salary context, state comparisons, and next actions in one polished guide.

Guide download coming soon

View guide details

Top Paying State

New York

$103,820 / yr

View Requirements

Rank #2

California

$102,120 / yr

View Requirements

Rank #3

New Jersey

$98,020 / yr

View Requirements

State	Median Salary	License Type	Education Required	Est. Timeline	Action
NY New YorkCompact: No	$103,820High CoL Adjusted	Stand-alone license	Varies by state board	Varies by board	Details
CA CaliforniaCompact: Yes	$102,120High CoL Adjusted	Register with licensing agency	Varies by state board	Varies by board	Details
NJ New JerseyCompact: Yes	$98,020Avg. Growth	Stand-alone license	Degree required	Varies by board	Details
WA WashingtonCompact: Pending	$97,150Avg. Growth	Stand-alone license	Degree required	Varies by board	Details
MA MassachusettsCompact: Yes	$96,940Avg. Growth	Stand-alone license	Degree required	Varies by board	Details
OR OregonCompact: No	$96,130Avg. Growth	Register with licensing agency	Varies by state board	Varies by board	Details