Respiratory Therapist: Job Duties, Skills and Salary 2025

What does a Respiratory Therapist do?

Respiratory therapists assess and treat patients with breathing disorders. You use specialized equipment to help improve lung function, perform diagnostic tests, and provide care for those with chronic respiratory conditions like asthma or COPD.

Respiratory Therapist: Main duties

Respiratory Therapists in the Healthcare field handle essential tasks and contribute significantly to achieving team and organizational goals. Here are some of their primary responsibilities:

Assess and diagnose patients with breathing or cardiopulmonary disorders.
Administer diagnostic tests such as measuring lung capacity.
Manage ventilators and artificial airway devices for patients who cannot breathe normally on their own.
Respond to emergency situations where patients need airway management.
Provide education to patients and their families about lung health and disease prevention.
Consult with physicians and other healthcare staff to develop and modify individual patient care plans.
Maintain and sterilize respiratory therapy equipment.

Respiratory Therapist: Key Qualifications

Associate’s degree or higher in Respiratory Therapy from an accredited program.
Must be licensed as a Respiratory Therapist in the state of practice; requirements vary by state.
Certifications such as Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) or Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) are often required.
Basic Life Support (BLS) or Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification may be required.

Basic Skills and Requirements for Respiratory Therapists

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to interact effectively with patients and medical team.
Physical stamina to handle long shifts and the ability to perform under stress.
Detail-oriented nature, particularly when following complex instructions regarding patient treatment.
Compassion and patience to assist patients who are suffering from chronic respiratory diseases.

Salary Expectations for Respiratory Therapists

Job	Branch	Avg. US Salary
Respiratory Therapist	Healthcare	67,180 USD

The average salary for a Respiratory Therapist in the U.S. is approximately $67,180 per year and can vary from entry-level to senior positions. Respiratory Therapists may receive a wide range of benefits.

Level	Experience	Avg. Salary per Year
Veteran	20+ years	$83,975
Senior	11+ years	$73,898
Experienced	6-10 years	$67,180
Mid Level	3-5 years	$60,462
Entry Level	0-2 years	$50,385

To explore more detailed salary information, including specific salary estimates in your country, visit the Respiratory Therapist Salary Country Overview.

Career Path for Respiratory Therapists

Respiratory Therapists can advance to supervisory or managerial roles within respiratory therapy departments. Some choose to specialize in areas such as pediatric or geriatric respiratory care, sleep medicine, or pulmonary rehabilitation. Further education can lead to roles in health administration, education, or research within the field of respiratory care.

Respiratory Therapist: Work Environment

Respiratory Therapists work in various settings, including hospitals, emergency rooms, pulmonary rehabilitation centers, and patients' homes. They often work in shifts, covering evenings, nights, and weekends, particularly in hospitals that require 24-hour care. The job can be physically demanding and sometimes stressful, especially when dealing with life-threatening situations.

Respiratory Therapist: Job Duties, Skills and Salary 2025

Learn about the vital role of Respiratory Therapists in healthcare, focusing on their expertise in treating and managing patients with respiratory conditions.