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How Much Does A Respiratory Therapist Make

In today's world as people prioritize their health, Respiratory Therapists have become a crucial part of healthcare workers. They specialize in the diagnosis and evaluation of the cardiopulmonary system and work with doctors to treat patients with heart and lung issues. Are you considering a career in this field? Here is everything you need to know about becoming a Respiratory Therapist.

How Much Does A Respiratory Therapist Make?

Respiratory Therapist Hourly Wages

Respiratory Therapists make an hourly wage average of $30.05, with the highest earners making over $45 an hour. The location and experience level of the Respiratory Therapist also greatly impact their hourly wage.

Respiratory Therapist Yearly Salary

The average yearly salary of a Respiratory Therapist is $62,810 with the highest earners making over $87,000. The experience level of the Respiratory Therapist and the location of their work also impact their yearly salary.

A Respiratory Therapist at work

How to Become a Respiratory Therapist?

To become a Respiratory Therapist, you need to complete an accredited program and hold a degree in Respiratory Therapy. Here are the steps to becoming a Respiratory Therapist:

Step 1: Education

You need to complete a Respiratory Therapy program which will teach you about the cardiopulmonary system and critical care. There are different programs you can take, ranging from associate degrees to graduate degrees depending on your career goals.

Step 2: Licensing Requirements

After completing your degree, you need to obtain a state license to practice respiratory therapy. Each state has its licensing requirements which can include passing an exam or completing continuing education classes.

Step 3: Gain Experience

Experience in the field can help you build your skills and further your career. Consider internships, job shadowing or simply volunteering to gain experience in your field.

A student graduating from respiratory therapy program

What Do Respiratory Therapists Do?

Respiratory Therapists have a vast range of responsibilities, and they work alongside doctors to treat lung and heart issues. Here's what Respiratory Therapists do:

  • Assessing lung function and providing therapies to improve it
  • Managing patients on ventilators
  • Treating patients with lung conditions such as asthma, emphysema, and pneumonia
  • Conducting diagnostic tests to evaluate lung function

Top States to Work as a Respiratory Therapist

Not all states have the same number of job openings and competition can fluctuate from city to city. Here are the best states to work as a Respiratory Therapist:

  1. California
  2. Texas
  3. Florida
  4. New York
  5. Ohio
A Respiratory therapist posing in front of the state of Texas

Salary Range for Respiratory Therapists in Top States

Here are the salary ranges for Respiratory Therapists working in the top states:

State Hourly Wage Yearly Salary
California $39.26 $81,700
Texas $27.74 $57,710
Florida $25.44 $52,910
New York $33.34 $69,360
Ohio $26.26 $54,610

Conclusion

Now that you know what Respiratory Therapy is all about, you can decide if it's the right career choice for you. With the demand for healthcare professionals on the rise, a career in Respiratory Therapy can provide you with job security, a decent salary, and the satisfaction of knowing you are making a difference in people's lives.

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