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Verified by TX Board of Healthcare

Respiratory Therapist Licensing in Texas

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

Last verified: Feb 17, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

Both state and third-party exams required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Respiratory Therapist in Texas

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Specific course required.

  2. 2

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

Exam and processing details

  • Both state and third-party exams required

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Texas Medical Board

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $77,550 median (4% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #30 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (4)

  1. 1. Meet Texas eligibility requirements for Respiratory Therapist licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Specific course required.
  3. 3. Pass required examination steps: Both state and third-party exams required.
  4. 4. Submit the application to Texas Medical Board and monitor board communications.

Salary Insights in Texas

With a median salary of $77,550, Respiratory Therapists in Texas earn 4% below the national median of $80,450. Texas ranks #30 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

+0.8%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,420

Median annual salary

$77,550

Hourly estimate

$37.28
4% below national median

Difference: -$2,900

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$61,130
  • P2525th percentile$65,480
  • P50Median$77,550
  • P7575th percentile$84,480
  • P9090th percentile$94,640

State vs National Median

State: $77,550
National: $80,450

Total employment: 11,860 | Annual openings: N/A

Respiratory Therapist Salary Ranking

#30 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
Texas$77,550Specific course requiredBoth state and third-party exams requiredVaries by board
Oklahoma$76,080Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Arkansas$67,960Varies by state boardThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Louisiana$70,140Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
New Mexico$66,460Degree requiredNo exam requiredVaries 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
Texas68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Oklahoma68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Arkansas68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Louisiana68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
New Mexico68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

Texas Medical Board

PO Box 2029, Austin, TX, 78768-2029

Phone: 5123057010

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Athletic Trainer$66,430Degree requiredVaries by board
Audiologist$103,460Degree requiredVaries by board

FAQ

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

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 Texas?

Texas lists Both state and third-party exams required as part of the licensure process for Respiratory Therapists.

What education do you need to become a Respiratory Therapist in Texas?

The board typically expects Specific course required for Respiratory Therapist licensure in Texas.

What is the typical Respiratory Therapist salary in Texas?

The median annual salary for Respiratory Therapists in Texas is $77,550. Salaries range from $61,130 (10th percentile) to $94,640 (90th percentile).

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

Respiratory Therapists in Texas earn 4% below the national median of $80,450, with a state median of $77,550.

How many Respiratory Therapists work in Texas?

Texas employs approximately 11,860 Respiratory Therapists according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Respiratory Therapist license to Texas 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 Texas?

The licensing agency is Texas Medical Board. Review agency details at http://www.tmb.state.tx.us/page/licensing.

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

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