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$43

$72

How much do respiratory jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for respiratory 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Respiratory Therapist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Respiratory Therapist, you need a solid understanding of pulmonary care, anatomy, and physiology, typically acquired through an associate degree in respiratory therapy and a state license or NBRC certification. Familiarity with ventilators, pulmonary function testing equipment, and electronic health record (EHR) systems is critical. Compassion, attention to detail, and strong communication skills help build trust with patients and collaborate effectively with healthcare teams. These competencies ensure safe and effective patient respiratory care, accurate diagnostics, and seamless integration within multidisciplinary medical environments.

What are some common challenges faced by respiratory therapists when working with critically ill patients?

Respiratory therapists working with critically ill patients often encounter challenges such as rapidly changing patient conditions, managing complex ventilator settings, and collaborating closely with multidisciplinary teams in high-pressure environments. Effective communication and quick decision-making are essential, as patient needs can change unexpectedly. Additionally, therapists must stay up-to-date with evolving protocols and technologies to ensure optimal patient care.

What are respiratory therapists?

Respiratory therapists are healthcare professionals who specialize in assessing, treating, and caring for patients with breathing or cardiopulmonary disorders. They work with patients of all ages, from premature infants with undeveloped lungs to elderly patients with chronic respiratory diseases. Respiratory therapists use a variety of techniques and equipment to help patients breathe more easily, including administering oxygen, managing ventilators, and providing emergency care for patients suffering from heart attacks, drowning, or shock. They often work in hospitals, clinics, and home healthcare settings.

What is the difference between Respiratory vs Respiratory Therapist?

AspectRespiratoryRespiratory Therapist
CredentialsTypically refers to respiratory-related roles or fields, not a specific credentialRequires certification such as RRT (Registered Respiratory Therapist)
Work EnvironmentVaries; can include research, education, or clinical settingsPrimarily clinical settings like hospitals and clinics
Industry UsageUsed broadly in healthcare and respiratory fieldsSpecific healthcare role focused on patient respiratory care
Common Search/ComparisonOften compared with Respiratory Therapist for claritySpecialized role with defined certifications and duties

In summary, 'Respiratory' is a broad term related to respiratory health, while 'Respiratory Therapist' is a specific healthcare professional with specialized training and certification working directly with patients in clinical settings.

More about Respiratory jobs
What cities are hiring for Respiratory jobs? Cities with the most Respiratory job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Respiratory jobs? The most popular types of Respiratory jobs are:
What states have the most Respiratory jobs? States with the most job openings for Respiratory jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Respiratory jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Respiratory jobs are:
Respiratory jobs near you
Infographic showing various Respiratory job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 57% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 28% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,915 per year, or $43.2 per hour.
Respiratory Therapist- Full Time

Respiratory Therapist- Full Time

Synergy Respiratory

Bakersfield, CA • On-site

$35 - $45/hr

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

New grads encouraged to apply!


About the Role:

The Respiratory Therapist plays a critical role in the healthcare team by providing specialized respiratory care to patients with acute and chronic breathing disorders. This position involves assessing, treating, and monitoring patients to improve their respiratory function and overall health outcomes. The therapist will work closely with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to develop and implement individualized care plans. They are responsible for operating and maintaining respiratory equipment, ensuring patient safety, and delivering high-quality care in home settings. Ultimately, the role aims to enhance patient comfort, support recovery, and contribute to the effective management of respiratory conditions.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Respiratory Therapy from an accredited program.
  • Current state licensure or certification as a Respiratory Therapist (e.g., CRT or RRT).
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision in a clinical environment.
  • Basic computer proficiency for documentation and communication purposes.
  • Strong manual dexterity and physical stamina to perform clinical procedures and handle equipment.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience working in a hospital or emergency room setting preferred but not required.
  • Familiarity with electronic health record (EHR) systems.
  • Excellent communication skills for effective interaction with patients, families, and multidisciplinary teams.
  • Proven track record of delivering superior quality respiratory care and patient outcomes.

Responsibilities:

  • Evaluate patients’ respiratory status through physical assessments and diagnostic tests.
  • Administer prescribed respiratory therapies such as oxygen, aerosol medications, and mechanical ventilation.
  • Monitor patient responses and adjust treatments accordingly to optimize respiratory function.
  • Collaborate with healthcare team members to develop and update patient care plans.
  • Maintain and operate respiratory care equipment, ensuring proper function and hygiene.
  • Provide patient and family education on respiratory care techniques and disease management.
  • Document all treatments, observations, and patient progress accurately in medical records.
  • On Call required

Skills:

The required skills enable the Respiratory Therapist to perform comprehensive respiratory assessments and deliver effective treatments with precision and care. Manual dexterity is essential for handling delicate respiratory equipment and performing procedures safely. Effective communication skills are used daily to explain treatments to patients and collaborate with healthcare professionals, ensuring coordinated care. The ability to work with minimal supervision allows the therapist to make critical decisions promptly, especially in emergency situations. Basic computer knowledge supports accurate documentation and efficient use of the company EHR systems, while preferred skills like advanced certifications and EHR familiarity enhance the therapist’s capability to provide specialized and high-quality respiratory care.