Application Fee
See agencyVerified by CO Board of Healthcare
Respiratory Therapist Licensing in Colorado
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for respiratory therapist in Colorado, 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 Colorado
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
License Type: Stand-alone license.
Exam and processing details
- Third-party exam required
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Department of Regulatory Agencies • Division of Professions & Occupations • Respiratory Therapy Licensure Office
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$80,690 median (0% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#19 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Meet Colorado eligibility requirements for Respiratory Therapist licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
- 4. Submit the application to Department of Regulatory Agencies~Division of Professions & Occupations~Respiratory Therapy Licensure Office and monitor board communications.
Salary Insights in Colorado
With a median salary of $80,690, Respiratory Therapists in Colorado earn 0% above the national median of $80,450. Colorado ranks #19 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+0.8%Average Weekly Wage
$1,540Median annual salary
$80,690Hourly estimate
$38.790% above national median
Difference: +$240
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationRespiratory Therapist Salary Ranking
#19 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado | $80,690 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Wyoming | $75,900 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Nebraska | $78,880 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Kansas | $73,580 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Oklahoma | $76,080 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| New Mexico | $66,460 | Degree required | No exam required | Varies by board |
| Arizona | $79,290 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Utah | $78,990 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Wyoming | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Nebraska | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Kansas | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Oklahoma | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| New Mexico | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Agency website unverified
Department of Regulatory Agencies • Division of Professions & Occupations • Respiratory Therapy Licensure Office
1560 Broadway Suite 1350, Denver, CO, 80202
Phone: 3038947800
This agency is in our manual verification queue. We only publish direct official board URLs after verification.
Related Careers in Colorado
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acupuncturist | $78,140 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Anesthesiologist | N/A | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Athletic Trainer | $62,670 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Audiologist | $94,670 | Degree required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Respiratory Therapist in Colorado?
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 Colorado?
Colorado lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Respiratory Therapists.
What education do you need to become a Respiratory Therapist in Colorado?
The board typically expects Degree required for Respiratory Therapist licensure in Colorado.
What is the typical Respiratory Therapist salary in Colorado?
The median annual salary for Respiratory Therapists in Colorado is $80,690. Salaries range from $63,770 (10th percentile) to $102,210 (90th percentile).
How does the Respiratory Therapist salary in Colorado compare to the national average?
Respiratory Therapists in Colorado earn 0% above the national median of $80,450, with a state median of $80,690.
How many Respiratory Therapists work in Colorado?
Colorado employs approximately 2,070 Respiratory Therapists according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Respiratory Therapist license to Colorado 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 Colorado?
The licensing agency is Department of Regulatory Agencies / Division of Professions & Occupations / Respiratory Therapy Licensure Office. The official board website is currently under manual verification.
How often do you renew a Respiratory Therapist license in Colorado?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.