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Respiratory Therapist Licensing in California

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for respiratory therapist in California, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 17, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

State-approved exam

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Respiratory Therapist in California

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Varies by state board.

  2. 2

    License Type: Register with licensing agency.

Exam and processing details

  • State-approved exam

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Department of Consumer Affairs • Respiratory Care Board of California

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $102,120 median (27% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #2 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (4)

  1. 1. Meet California eligibility requirements for Respiratory Therapist licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training (Education: Varies by state board.).
  3. 3. Pass required examination steps: State-approved exam.
  4. 4. Submit the application to Department of Consumer Affairs~Respiratory Care Board of California and monitor board communications.

Salary Insights in California

With a median salary of $102,120, Respiratory Therapists in California earn 27% above the national median of $80,450. California ranks #2 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

+1.4%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,758

Median annual salary

$102,120

Hourly estimate

$49.10
27% above national median

Difference: +$21,670

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$78,150
  • P2525th percentile$90,740
  • P50Median$102,120
  • P7575th percentile$125,770
  • P9090th percentile$138,000

State vs National Median

State: $102,120
National: $80,450

Total employment: 18,310 | Annual openings: N/A

Respiratory Therapist Salary Ranking

#2 of 50 statesfor Respiratory Therapist median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1New York$103,820
#2California$102,120
#3New Jersey$98,020
#4Washington$97,150
#5Massachusetts$96,940

Nearby States Comparison

Respiratory Therapist licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
California$102,120Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Oregon$96,130Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Nevada$79,510Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Arizona$79,290Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries 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.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
California78HighBoard-specific review required.
Oregon78HighBoard-specific review required.
Nevada68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Arizona78HighBoard-specific review required.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

Department of Consumer Affairs • Respiratory Care Board of California

3750 Rosin Court, Suite 100, Sacramento, CA, 95834

Phone: 9169992190

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Athletic Trainer$74,150Varies by state boardVaries by board
Audiologist$123,600Varies by state boardVaries by board

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Respiratory Therapist in California?

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 is the typical Respiratory Therapist salary in California?

The median annual salary for Respiratory Therapists in California is $102,120. Salaries range from $78,150 (10th percentile) to $138,000 (90th percentile).

How does the Respiratory Therapist salary in California compare to the national average?

Respiratory Therapists in California earn 27% above the national median of $80,450, with a state median of $102,120.

How many Respiratory Therapists work in California?

California employs approximately 18,310 Respiratory Therapists according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Respiratory Therapist license to California 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 California?

The licensing agency is Department of Consumer Affairs / Respiratory Care Board of California. Review agency details at https://www.rcb.ca.gov/.

How often do you renew a Respiratory Therapist license in California?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.