Application Fee
See agencyVerified by MO Board of Healthcare
Respiratory Therapist Licensing in Missouri
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for respiratory therapist in Missouri, 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 Missouri
Estimated timeline: 6-24 monthsCore Requirements
- License Type: Stand-alone license
- Education: Degree required
- Examination: Third-party exam required
- Application Fee: See agency
- Experience: No experience required
- Background Check: Background check required
- Continuing Education: Continuing education required to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance • Division Of Professional Registration • Missouri State Board for Respiratory Care
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$73,880 median (8% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#39 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 Missouri
With a median salary of 73,880, Respiratory Therapists in Missouri earn 8% below the national median of $80,450. Missouri ranks #39 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.
Median annual salary
$73,880Hourly estimate
$35.528% below national median
Difference: -$6,570
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationRespiratory Therapist Salary Ranking
#39 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Missouri | $73,880 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Iowa | $68,790 | Specific course required | State exam required | 6-24 months |
| Illinois | $81,310 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 6-24 months |
| Kentucky | $65,670 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Tennessee | $65,000 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Arkansas | $67,960 | Varies by state board | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Oklahoma | $76,080 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Kansas | $73,580 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Nebraska | $78,880 | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Missouri | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Iowa | 64 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Continuing education compliance is required. |
| Illinois | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Kentucky | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Tennessee | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Arkansas | 58 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
- 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
Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance • Division Of Professional Registration • Missouri State Board for Respiratory Care
3605 Missouri Boulevard, P.O. Box 1335, Jefferson City, MO, 65102-1335
Phone: 5735225864ext8007352966
Related Careers in Missouri
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audiologist | $87,840 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Chiropractor | $61,020 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Clinical Lab Technologist | $57,460 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Dental Assistant | $45,220 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Respiratory Therapist in Missouri?
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 Missouri?
Missouri 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 Missouri?
The board typically expects Degree required for Respiratory Therapist licensure in Missouri.
What is the typical Respiratory Therapist salary in Missouri?
The median annual salary for Respiratory Therapists in Missouri is 73,880. Salaries range from $57,590 (10th percentile) to $93,140 (90th percentile).
How does the Respiratory Therapist salary in Missouri compare to the national average?
Respiratory Therapists in Missouri earn 8% below the national median of $80,450, with a state median of 73,880.
How many Respiratory Therapists work in Missouri?
Missouri employs approximately 3,270 Respiratory Therapists according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Respiratory Therapist license to Missouri 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 Missouri?
The licensing agency is Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance / Division Of Professional Registration / Missouri State Board for Respiratory Care. Review agency details at http://pr.mo.gov/respiratorycare.asp.