Application Fee
See agencyVerified by IA Board of Healthcare
Respiratory Therapist Licensing in Iowa
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for respiratory therapist in Iowa, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 12, 2026
Exam Requirement
State exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Respiratory Therapist in Iowa
Estimated timeline: 6-24 monthsCore Requirements
- License Type: Register with licensing agency
- Education: Specific course required
- Examination: State exam required
- Application Fee: See agency
- Continuing Education: Continuing education required to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing • Iowa Board of Respiratory Care and Polysomnography
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$68,790 median (14% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#42 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 Iowa
With a median salary of 68,790, Respiratory Therapists in Iowa earn 14% below the national median of $80,450. Iowa ranks #42 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.
Median annual salary
$68,790Hourly estimate
$33.0714% below national median
Difference: -$11,660
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationRespiratory Therapist Salary Ranking
#42 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iowa | $68,790 | Specific course required | State exam required | 6-24 months |
| Minnesota | $88,040 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 6-24 months |
| Wisconsin | $82,160 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Illinois | $81,310 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 6-24 months |
| Missouri | $73,880 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Nebraska | $78,880 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 6-24 months |
| South Dakota | $64,720 | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iowa | 64 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Continuing education compliance is required. |
| Minnesota | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Wisconsin | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Illinois | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Missouri | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Nebraska | 78 | High | Board-specific review 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 Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing • Iowa Board of Respiratory Care and Polysomnography
6200 Park Avenue Des Moines, IA 50321, Suite 100, Des Moines, IA, 50319-0075
Phone: 5152810254
Related Careers in Iowa
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audiologist | $93,790 | Specific course required | 6-24 months |
| Chiropractor | $66,340 | Specific course required | 6-24 months |
| Clinical Lab Technologist | $54,560 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Dental Assistant | $47,820 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Respiratory Therapist in Iowa?
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 Iowa?
Iowa lists State exam required as part of the licensure process for Respiratory Therapists.
What education do you need to become a Respiratory Therapist in Iowa?
The board typically expects Specific course required for Respiratory Therapist licensure in Iowa.
What is the typical Respiratory Therapist salary in Iowa?
The median annual salary for Respiratory Therapists in Iowa is 68,790. Salaries range from $56,260 (10th percentile) to $83,480 (90th percentile).
How does the Respiratory Therapist salary in Iowa compare to the national average?
Respiratory Therapists in Iowa earn 14% below the national median of $80,450, with a state median of 68,790.
How many Respiratory Therapists work in Iowa?
Iowa employs approximately 1,050 Respiratory Therapists according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Respiratory Therapist license to Iowa 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 Iowa?
The licensing agency is Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing / Iowa Board of Respiratory Care and Polysomnography. Review agency details at https://dial.iowa.gov/about/boards/respiratory-care.