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Respiratory Therapist Licensing in New Jersey

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for respiratory therapist in New Jersey, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 12, 2026

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

Third-party exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Respiratory Therapist in New Jersey

Estimated timeline: 6-24 months

Core Requirements

  • License Type: Stand-alone license
  • Education: Degree required
  • Examination: Third-party exam required
  • Application Fee: See agency
  • Experience: No experience required
  • Background Check: No criminal record prohibitions
  • Continuing Education: Continuing education required to maintain license

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Department of Law and Public Safety • Division of Consumer Affairs • Board of Respiratory Care

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $98,020 median (22% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #3 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (4)

  1. 1. Meet baseline eligibility requirements.
  2. 2. Complete approved education/training requirements.
  3. 3. Pass required exam(s) and submit application.
  4. 4. Maintain and renew license according to board rules.

Salary Insights in New Jersey

With a median salary of 98,020, Respiratory Therapists in New Jersey earn 22% above the national median of $80,450. New Jersey ranks #3 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Rising

QoQ Employment Change

+2.4%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,565

Median annual salary

$98,020

Hourly estimate

$47.13
22% above national median

Difference: +$17,570

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$77,360
  • P2525th percentile$85,680
  • P50Median$98,020
  • P7575th percentile$102,540
  • P9090th percentile$117,750

State vs National Median

State: $98,020
National: $80,450

Total employment: 3,200 | Annual openings: N/A

Respiratory Therapist Salary Ranking

#3 of 50 statesfor Respiratory Therapist median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1New York103,820
#2California102,120
#3New Jersey98,020
#4Washington97,150
#5Massachusetts96,940

Nearby States Comparison

Respiratory Therapist licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
New Jersey$98,020Degree requiredThird-party exam required6-24 months
New York$103,820Varies by state boardState-approved exam6-24 months
Pennsylvania$76,160Degree requiredThird-party exam required6-24 months
Delaware$87,380Degree requiredThird-party exam required6-24 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.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
New Jersey50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
New York78HighBoard-specific review required.
Pennsylvania50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Delaware50LowState-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 Law and Public Safety • Division of Consumer Affairs • Board of Respiratory Care

PO Box 45031, Newark, NJ, 7101

Phone: 9735046485

Related Careers in New Jersey

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Audiologist$103,510Degree required6-24 months
Chiropractor$101,460Degree required6-24 months
Clinical Lab Technologist$65,270Varies by state board6-24 months
Dental Assistant$48,070Degree required6-24 months

FAQ

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

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 New Jersey?

New Jersey 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 New Jersey?

The board typically expects Degree required for Respiratory Therapist licensure in New Jersey.

What is the typical Respiratory Therapist salary in New Jersey?

The median annual salary for Respiratory Therapists in New Jersey is 98,020. Salaries range from $77,360 (10th percentile) to $117,750 (90th percentile).

How does the Respiratory Therapist salary in New Jersey compare to the national average?

Respiratory Therapists in New Jersey earn 22% above the national median of $80,450, with a state median of 98,020.

How many Respiratory Therapists work in New Jersey?

New Jersey employs approximately 3,200 Respiratory Therapists according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Respiratory Therapist license to New Jersey 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 New Jersey?

The licensing agency is Department of Law and Public Safety / Division of Consumer Affairs / Board of Respiratory Care. Review agency details at https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/resp/Pages/default.aspx.