Application Fee
See agencyVerified by LA Board of Healthcare
Respiratory Therapist Licensing in Louisiana
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for respiratory therapist in Louisiana, 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 Louisiana
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
Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals • Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$70,140 median (13% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#41 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Meet Louisiana 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 Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals~Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners and monitor board communications.
Salary Insights in Louisiana
With a median salary of $70,140, Respiratory Therapists in Louisiana earn 13% below the national median of $80,450. Louisiana ranks #41 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+0.2%Average Weekly Wage
$1,176Median annual salary
$70,140Hourly estimate
$33.7213% below national median
Difference: -$10,310
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationRespiratory Therapist Salary Ranking
#41 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Louisiana | $70,140 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Arkansas | $67,960 | Varies by state board | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Mississippi | $61,320 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Texas | $77,550 | Specific course required | Both state and third-party exams required | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Louisiana | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Arkansas | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Mississippi | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Texas | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals • Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners
630 Camp Street, New Orleans, LA, 70130
Phone: 5045686820ext115
Related Careers in Louisiana
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acupuncturist | $78,140 | Specific course required | 6 months |
| Anesthesiologist | N/A | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Athletic Trainer | $62,500 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Audiologist | $75,740 | Degree required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Respiratory Therapist in Louisiana?
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 Louisiana?
Louisiana 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 Louisiana?
The board typically expects Degree required for Respiratory Therapist licensure in Louisiana.
What is the typical Respiratory Therapist salary in Louisiana?
The median annual salary for Respiratory Therapists in Louisiana is $70,140. Salaries range from $59,760 (10th percentile) to $84,540 (90th percentile).
How does the Respiratory Therapist salary in Louisiana compare to the national average?
Respiratory Therapists in Louisiana earn 13% below the national median of $80,450, with a state median of $70,140.
How many Respiratory Therapists work in Louisiana?
Louisiana employs approximately 2,280 Respiratory Therapists according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Respiratory Therapist license to Louisiana 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 Louisiana?
The licensing agency is Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals / Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners. Review agency details at http://www.lsbme.la.gov/licensure/acupuncturist.
How often do you renew a Respiratory Therapist license in Louisiana?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.