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Respiratory Therapists

Median salary, education path, job outlook, and related careers — based on U.S. labor data.

Median salary
$82,280/yr
Typical range
$74,520 – $98,730
Education
Associate degree
Time to entry
About 2 years

What a Respiratory Therapists does

Respiratory therapists care for patients with breathing problems and lung disease by administering oxygen therapy, performing lung function tests, and operating ventilators. They help patients breathe easier and recover from respiratory conditions and injuries.

Education & path

The typical entry point is a associate degree. About 2 years.

Estimated cost of that path: ~$7,500. Estimated payback: ~1 year. Estimates only — actual cost varies widely by school and financial aid; payback assumes ~20% of income applied.

Related careers

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