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 12, 2026
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Respiratory Therapist in Colorado
Estimated timeline: 6-24 monthsCore Requirements
- License Type: Stand-alone license
- Education: Degree required
- Examination: Third-party exam required
- Application Fee: See agency
- Experience: Work experience required
- Continuing Education: Continuing education required to maintain license
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 baseline eligibility requirements.
- 2. Complete approved education/training requirements.
- 3. Pass required exam(s) and submit application.
- 4. Maintain and renew license according to board rules.
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 6-24 months.
Median 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 | 6-24 months |
| Wyoming | $75,900 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Nebraska | $78,880 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 6-24 months |
| Kansas | $73,580 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Oklahoma | $76,080 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| New Mexico | $66,460 | Degree required | No exam required | 6-24 months |
| Arizona | $79,290 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 6-24 months |
| Utah | $78,990 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 6-24 months |
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 | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Wyoming | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Nebraska | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Kansas | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Oklahoma | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| New Mexico | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Department of Regulatory Agencies • Division of Professions & Occupations • Respiratory Therapy Licensure Office
1560 Broadway Suite 1350, Denver, CO, 80202
Phone: 3038947800
Agency website was unavailable in source data, using official search fallback.
Related Careers in Colorado
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audiologist | $94,670 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Chiropractor | $80,900 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Clinical Lab Technologist | $69,580 | Varies by state board | 6-24 months |
| Dental Assistant | $47,770 | Specific course required | 6-24 months |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Respiratory Therapist in Colorado?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 6-24 months, 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. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. 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.