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Flight Respiratory Therapist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$60 - $80/hr

The Flight Respiratory Therapist I provides direct patient care in a transport environment, while assessing and adjusting therapies during transport in response to changes in patient outcomes ...

Respiratory Therapist - Inpatient - Multiple Shifts $15,000 sign on bonus Nebraska Medicine is ... and/or flight transport training preferred. Based on position, the ability to demonstrate ...

Respiratory Therapist - Inpatient - Multiple Shifts $15,000 sign on bonus Nebraska Medicine is ... or flight transport training preferred. • Based on position, the ability to demonstrate ...

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Flight Respiratory Therapist information

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$17

$43

$72

How much do flight respiratory therapist jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for flight respiratory therapist in the United States is $43.23, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $30.29 and $53.61 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a flight respiratory therapist?

Flight Respiratory Therapists are specialized healthcare professionals who provide respiratory care to critically ill or injured patients during air medical transport, such as in helicopters or airplanes. They are trained to manage advanced airway and ventilation equipment, deliver emergency respiratory interventions, and monitor patients' breathing throughout the flight. Their expertise is crucial in stabilizing patients with severe respiratory conditions or trauma while en route to hospitals. Flight Respiratory Therapists work closely with flight nurses, paramedics, and physicians as part of the air medical team.

What does a flight respiratory therapist do?

Flight respiratory therapists are members of a specialized emergency response team whose responsibilities are to provide respiratory care and treatment for critically ill patients being transported by air. In this role, you may work as part of a helicopter paramedic crew, a military medevac crew, or for private patients who need respiratory care when they travel by plane. The job duties of respiratory therapists who work as emergency response workers include stabilizing patients, assessing their breathing and cardiopulmonary health, and radioing ahead to medical care facilities to ensure that physicians and other specialists are prepared for the patient's arrival. Airline respiratory therapists and non-emergency therapists perform similar duties, monitoring patients during a flight and providing care when necessary.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a flight respiratory therapist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Flight Respiratory Therapist, you need advanced knowledge in respiratory therapy, critical care, and emergency procedures, typically supported by a CRT or RRT credential and state licensure. Familiarity with transport ventilators, portable monitoring devices, and certifications such as ACLS, PALS, and NRP are essential. Excellent problem-solving, adaptability, and communication skills help you manage high-stress situations and collaborate with flight teams. These abilities are crucial for ensuring safe, effective respiratory care in unpredictable, time-sensitive aeromedical environments.

What are some unique challenges flight respiratory therapists face compared to hospital-based roles?

Flight Respiratory Therapists often work in high-pressure environments where they must provide critical care in confined, mobile settings such as helicopters or airplanes. They face unique challenges like rapidly changing patient conditions, limited equipment, and the need to adapt treatment protocols to in-flight conditions such as vibration, noise, and altitude changes. Collaboration with flight nurses, paramedics, and pilots is essential, and strong communication skills are crucial for ensuring patient safety and effective care during transport.

What is the difference between Flight Respiratory Therapist vs Respiratory Therapist?

AspectFlight Respiratory TherapistRespiratory Therapist
CredentialsRegistered Respiratory Therapist (RRT), specialized training for air transportRegistered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) or Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT)
Work EnvironmentAir ambulance, helicopters, fixed-wing aircraft, emergency transportHospitals, clinics, outpatient settings
Employer & IndustryAir medical services, emergency medical transport companiesHospitals, healthcare facilities, clinics

Flight Respiratory Therapists specialize in providing respiratory care during air transport, requiring additional training for flight safety. Respiratory Therapists work primarily in stationary healthcare settings. Both roles require similar credentials but differ mainly in work environment and specialized skills for air medical transport.

What cities are hiring for Flight Respiratory Therapist jobs?

Cities with the most Flight Respiratory Therapist job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Flight Respiratory Therapist jobs?

The most popular types of Flight Respiratory Therapist jobs are:

What states have the most Flight Respiratory Therapist jobs?

States with the most job openings for Flight Respiratory Therapist jobs include:

Infographic showing various Flight Respiratory Therapist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% As Needed, 55% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 22% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,915 per year, or $43.2 per hour.

Respiratory Therapist

Rural Metro Fire Department

Birmingham, AL • On-site

$80 - $100/hr

Other

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

IMMEDIATE HIRING! Flight Respiratory Therapist Career Opportunity

We’re hiring a Registered Flight Respiratory Therapist to work with our team of air transportation experts to safely transport patients to and from medical facilities. Safety, effective and efficient patient care is a key pillar of our services, therefore you’ll work on a quality, professional team that is committed to high safety standards for the crew and our customers.

Responsibilities
  • Flight Respiratory Therapists will assess each situation to determine the best course of action to support, monitor, and treat patients in critical care situations.
  • Utilizes critical thinking skills to manage the critically ill or injured adult or pediatric patient and support physicians’ orders.
  • Takes pride in providing a safe, clean, and well‑stocked aircraft environment, maintains regular equipment and base checks, and complies with safety standards and briefings.
  • Works collaboratively and effectively communicates in a professional manner with air and ground teams, dispatch, flight crews, facilities, and partners.
  • Shares shift change information to transitioning team and follows protocols to maintain accurate company and regulatory documentation and records.
  • Flight Respiratory Therapists are accountable to maintain required certifications and ongoing training required for the position.
Other Responsibilities
  • Committed to being on‑time, reliable, professional, and meeting our elevated standards in safety and service.
Minimum Required Qualifications
  • Needs to live within one hour of the Birmingham‑Shuttlesworth airport.
  • Minimum 3 years of respiratory care experience in an ER or ICU setting during the previous 18 months as a licensed Respiratory Therapist.
  • State Respiratory Care Practitioner License.
  • RRT certification.
  • BLS, ACLS, PALS, NRP required prior to flight status.
  • Neonatal Resuscitation Provider (provided during orientation).
  • Will be required to obtain trauma certification within 12 months of hire.
  • Will be required to obtain advanced certification within 24 months of hire.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Five years of respiratory care experience as a licensed Respiratory Therapist.
  • Level I, II or III trauma experience.
  • Advanced certification (NPPS and/or ACCS).
  • Previous pre‑hospital EMS experience.
  • Previous, recent NICU and/or transport experience.
  • Previous air medical transport experience.
EEO Statement

Global Medical Response and its family of companies are an Equal Opportunity Employer, which includes supporting veterans and providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with a disability.

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