CredentialCompassJump to FAQ
Verified 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 17, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

State exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Respiratory Therapist in Iowa

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Specific course required.

  2. 2

    License Type: Register with licensing agency.

Exam and processing details

  • State exam required

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing • Iowa Board of Respiratory Care and Polysomnography

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $68,790 median (14% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #42 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (4)

  1. 1. Meet Iowa eligibility requirements for Respiratory Therapist licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Specific course required.
  3. 3. Pass required examination steps: State exam required.
  4. 4. Submit the application to Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing~Iowa Board of Respiratory Care and Polysomnography and monitor board communications.

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 Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Rising

QoQ Employment Change

+2.4%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,154

Median annual salary

$68,790

Hourly estimate

$33.07
14% below national median

Difference: -$11,660

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$56,260
  • P2525th percentile$63,070
  • P50Median$68,790
  • P7575th percentile$78,720
  • P9090th percentile$83,480

State vs National Median

State: $68,790
National: $80,450

Total employment: 1,050 | Annual openings: N/A

Respiratory Therapist Salary Ranking

#42 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
Iowa$68,790Specific course requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Minnesota$88,040Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Wisconsin$82,160Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Illinois$81,310Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Missouri$73,880Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Nebraska$78,880Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
South Dakota$64,720Varies 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
Iowa68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Minnesota78HighBoard-specific review required.
Wisconsin68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Illinois78HighBoard-specific review required.
Missouri68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Nebraska78HighBoard-specific review required.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

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

Visit Official WebsiteCall BoardOpen in Maps

Related Careers in Iowa

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Acupuncturist$78,140Specific course requiredVaries by board
Anesthesiologist$385,010Degree requiredVaries by board
Athletic Trainer$49,700Specific course requiredVaries by board
Audiologist$93,790Specific course requiredVaries by board

FAQ

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

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 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. 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.

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

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