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$12

$29

$43

How much do contract respiratory therapy jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract respiratory therapy in the United States is $29.68, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.23 and $39.42 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What other jobs can I do as a respiratory therapist?

Respiratory therapists can transition into roles such as respiratory care educators, equipment specialists, or healthcare administrators. They may also work in sales for medical device companies or pursue positions in pulmonary rehabilitation, requiring additional certifications or training. These roles often involve similar skills in patient care, respiratory technology, and clinical procedures.

Is there an RT shortage?

There is currently a high demand for respiratory therapists due to increased patient needs, especially during health crises like respiratory illnesses. This shortage has led to more job opportunities, competitive salaries, and the need for proper certification and skills in ventilator management and patient care.

What are the most common challenges contract respiratory therapists face when adapting to new healthcare environments?

Contract respiratory therapists often encounter the challenge of quickly acclimating to different hospital protocols, electronic health record systems, and team dynamics. Since each facility may have unique procedures and equipment, adaptability and strong communication skills are crucial for success. Building rapport with permanent staff and understanding patient populations in a short timeframe can also be demanding, but these experiences foster professional growth and broaden clinical expertise.

What is the difference between Contract Respiratory Therapy vs Contract Respiratory Therapy?

AspectContract Respiratory TherapyContract Respiratory Therapy
CredentialsRegistered Respiratory Therapist (RRT), CRT certificationRegistered Respiratory Therapist (RRT), CRT certification
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, home care settingsHospitals, clinics, home care settings
Employer & Industry UsageHealthcare facilities, staffing agenciesHealthcare facilities, staffing agencies
Common Search & ComparisonContract Respiratory Therapy vs Contract Respiratory TherapistContract Respiratory Therapy vs Contract Respiratory Therapist

Both terms refer to temporary or short-term respiratory therapy roles in healthcare settings. The primary difference lies in the terminology used; "Contract Respiratory Therapy" emphasizes the role or service, while "Contract Respiratory Therapist" refers to the individual professional. Both require similar credentials and work environments, and are often used interchangeably in job searches and industry discussions.

Where do RTs make the most money?

Contract respiratory therapists tend to earn the highest salaries in regions with high demand for healthcare professionals, such as urban areas or states with higher living costs. Salaries are also influenced by experience, certifications, and the work environment, with some facilities offering premium pay for night shifts or specialized skills.

What is a Contract Respiratory Therapist?

A Contract Respiratory Therapist is a licensed healthcare professional who works on a temporary or contractual basis, providing respiratory care to patients with breathing or cardiopulmonary disorders. They may work in hospitals, clinics, or home healthcare settings, often filling in for staff shortages or during periods of high demand. Contract roles typically offer flexibility in scheduling and location, and may involve travel to different healthcare facilities. The core responsibilities are similar to those of permanent respiratory therapists, including administering treatments, monitoring patient progress, and collaborating with medical teams.

How to make 6 figures as a respiratory therapist?

To earn six figures as a respiratory therapist, gaining advanced certifications, specializing in high-demand areas like critical care or neonatal care, and accumulating significant experience can increase earning potential. Working in urban hospitals, taking on leadership roles, or pursuing travel therapy assignments can also boost income. Continuing education and developing skills in new technologies further enhance earning opportunities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Contract Respiratory Therapist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Contract Respiratory Therapist, you need a solid background in respiratory care, a valid state license, and credentials such as CRT or RRT from the NBRC. Familiarity with ventilator management systems, pulmonary function testing equipment, and electronic health records is essential. Strong interpersonal skills, adaptability, and effective communication help you excel in various healthcare settings and patient populations. These skills and qualifications are crucial to providing high-quality, flexible care while ensuring patient safety and meeting the needs of diverse employers.
More about Contract Respiratory Therapy jobs
What cities are hiring for Contract Respiratory Therapy jobs? Cities with the most Contract Respiratory Therapy job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Respiratory Therapy jobs? The most popular types of Respiratory Therapy jobs are:
What states have the most Contract Respiratory Therapy jobs? States with the most job openings for Contract Respiratory Therapy jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Contract Respiratory Therapy jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Contract Respiratory Therapy jobs are:
Contract Respiratory Therapy jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Respiratory Therapy job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 57% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 20% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,734 per year, or $29.7 per hour.
CONTRACT RESPIRATORY THERAPIST - SCH RESPIRATORY THERAPY

CONTRACT RESPIRATORY THERAPIST - SCH RESPIRATORY THERAPY

South Central Regional Medical Center

Laurel, MS • On-site

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago

South Central Regional Medical Center rating

5.3

Company rating: 5.3 out of 10

Based on 21 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

955th of 1,051 rated hospitals

Job description

Contract Respiratory TherapistJob Title

Contract Respiratory Therapist

Department

Respiratory Therapy

Full Time/PRN

Full Time (Temporary 12-Week Assignment)

Job Summary

Provides respiratory care and life-support treatments across assigned units to support staffing needs. Operates on an 84-hour rotation while administering therapies, monitoring patient response, and maintaining flexibility to float between departments within competency.

Minimum Qualifications
  • Graduate of an accredited respiratory therapy program
  • Active CRT or RRT licensure in the state of Mississippi
  • Minimum three (3) years recent respiratory care experience (within last five years)
  • Current BLS, ACLS, and PALS certifications required
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience working across multiple clinical units or critical care settings
  • Previous float or resource role experience preferred
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
  • Evaluate and treat patients according to physician orders and established protocols
  • Administer respiratory therapies and adjust treatment based on patient response
  • Monitor patient condition and respond to emergencies appropriately
  • Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot respiratory equipment
  • Document patient care accurately and maintain compliance with regulatory standards
  • Float between units within competency based on staffing needs
  • Communicate effectively with physicians, nursing staff, and interdisciplinary teams
  • Work required 84-hour rotation (seven 12-hour shifts per 14-day period), including weekends and holidays
  • Maintain attendance and performance expectations throughout assignment
Physical Requirements
  • Ability to stand and/or walk for extended periods
  • Frequent bending, reaching, squatting, and kneeling
  • Lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 lbs independently; >50 lbs with assistance
  • Assist with patient positioning and transfers using proper body mechanics
  • Manual dexterity for procedures and equipment operation; adequate vision, hearing, and speech


All candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position. The American with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires that reasonable accommodations be made for qualified individuals to help perform the essential functions of the position.

South Central Regional Medical Center is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, gender, national origin, age, disability, or genetic information.



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