Application Fee
See agencyVerified by AR Board of Healthcare
Respiratory Therapist Licensing in Arkansas
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for respiratory therapist in Arkansas, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 17, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Respiratory Therapist in Arkansas
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Varies by state board.
- 2
License Type: Stand-alone license.
Exam and processing details
- Third-party exam required
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Arkansas Department of Health • Arkansas State Medical Board
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$67,960 median (16% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#43 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Meet Arkansas eligibility requirements for Respiratory Therapist licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training (Education: Varies by state board.).
- 3. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
- 4. Submit the application to Arkansas Department of Health~Arkansas State Medical Board and monitor board communications.
Salary Insights in Arkansas
With a median salary of $67,960, Respiratory Therapists in Arkansas earn 16% below the national median of $80,450. Arkansas ranks #43 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+1%Average Weekly Wage
$1,118Median annual salary
$67,960Hourly estimate
$32.6716% below national median
Difference: -$12,490
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationRespiratory Therapist Salary Ranking
#43 of 50 statesfor Respiratory Therapist median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | New York | $103,820 |
| #2 | California | $102,120 |
| #3 | New Jersey | $98,020 |
| #4 | Washington | $97,150 |
| #5 | Massachusetts | $96,940 |
Nearby States Comparison
Respiratory Therapist licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | $67,960 | Varies by state board | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Missouri | $73,880 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Tennessee | $65,000 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Mississippi | $61,320 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Louisiana | $70,140 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Texas | $77,550 | Specific course required | Both state and third-party exams required | Varies by board |
| Oklahoma | $76,080 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Missouri | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Tennessee | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Mississippi | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Louisiana | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Texas | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Arkansas Department of Health • Arkansas State Medical Board
1401 West Capitol Ave., Suite 340, Little Rock, AR, 72201
Phone: 5012961802
Related Careers in Arkansas
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acupuncturist | $78,140 | Degree required | 1-5 months |
| Anesthesiologist | N/A | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Athletic Trainer | $53,490 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Audiologist | $99,330 | Degree required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Respiratory Therapist in Arkansas?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Respiratory Therapists in Arkansas?
Arkansas lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Respiratory Therapists.
What is the typical Respiratory Therapist salary in Arkansas?
The median annual salary for Respiratory Therapists in Arkansas is $67,960. Salaries range from $52,470 (10th percentile) to $82,850 (90th percentile).
How does the Respiratory Therapist salary in Arkansas compare to the national average?
Respiratory Therapists in Arkansas earn 16% below the national median of $80,450, with a state median of $67,960.
How many Respiratory Therapists work in Arkansas?
Arkansas employs approximately 1,470 Respiratory Therapists according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Respiratory Therapist license to Arkansas from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Respiratory Therapists in Arkansas?
The licensing agency is Arkansas Department of Health / Arkansas State Medical Board. Review agency details at https://www.armedicalboard.org/.
How often do you renew a Respiratory Therapist license in Arkansas?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.