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Respiratory Therapist Licensing in West Virginia

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

Last verified: Feb 17, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

Third-party exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Respiratory Therapist in West Virginia

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Degree required.

  2. 2

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

Exam and processing details

  • Third-party exam required

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    RESPIRATORY CARE

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $66,370 median (18% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #45 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (4)

  1. 1. Meet West Virginia eligibility requirements for Respiratory Therapist licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
  3. 3. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
  4. 4. Submit the application to RESPIRATORY CARE and monitor board communications.

Salary Insights in West Virginia

With a median salary of $66,370, Respiratory Therapists in West Virginia earn 18% below the national median of $80,450. West Virginia ranks #45 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Rising

QoQ Employment Change

+1.7%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,167

Median annual salary

$66,370

Hourly estimate

$31.91
18% below national median

Difference: -$14,080

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$51,200
  • P2525th percentile$61,140
  • P50Median$66,370
  • P7575th percentile$76,730
  • P9090th percentile$84,670

State vs National Median

State: $66,370
National: $80,450

Total employment: 1,340 | Annual openings: N/A

Respiratory Therapist Salary Ranking

#45 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
West Virginia$66,370Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Pennsylvania$76,160Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Maryland$85,570Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Virginia$79,600Specific course requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Kentucky$65,670Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Ohio$78,400Degree requiredThird-party 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
West Virginia68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Pennsylvania68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Maryland78HighBoard-specific review required.
Virginia68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Kentucky68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Ohio68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

RESPIRATORY CARE

See official licensing board website

Phone: 3045581382

Related Careers in West Virginia

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Acupuncturist$78,140Degree required18 years
Anesthesiologist$168,390Degree required2-3 months
Athletic Trainer$45,140Varies by state boardVaries by board
Audiologist$87,980Degree requiredVaries by board

FAQ

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

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 West Virginia?

West Virginia 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 West Virginia?

The board typically expects Degree required for Respiratory Therapist licensure in West Virginia.

What is the typical Respiratory Therapist salary in West Virginia?

The median annual salary for Respiratory Therapists in West Virginia is $66,370. Salaries range from $51,200 (10th percentile) to $84,670 (90th percentile).

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

Respiratory Therapists in West Virginia earn 18% below the national median of $80,450, with a state median of $66,370.

How many Respiratory Therapists work in West Virginia?

West Virginia employs approximately 1,340 Respiratory Therapists according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Respiratory Therapist license to West Virginia 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 West Virginia?

The licensing agency is RESPIRATORY CARE. Review agency details at http://www.wvborc.com/.

How often do you renew a Respiratory Therapist license in West Virginia?

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