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Respiratory Therapist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Respiratory Therapist

New Bedford, MA · On-site

$33.39 - $52.22/hr

Respiratory Therapist Find out for yourself why Southcoast Health has been voted 'Best Place to Work' for 6 years in a row! Join Southcoast Health, where your future is as promising as the care we ...

Respiratory Therapist

Fall River, MA · On-site

$33.39 - $52.22/hr

Respiratory Therapist Join Southcoast Health, where your future is as promising as the care we provide. Our commitment to each other, our patients, and our community is more than a mission - it's our ...

Knowledge of respiratory therapy procedures, equipment, and patient care practices. * Ability to perform diagnostic testing, therapeutic treatments, and patient education activities under appropriate ...

$65 - $90/hr

Summary We are seeking Respiratory Therapists to join our team of healthcare professionals. The successful candidate will be responsible for assessing and treating patients with respiratory and ...

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$70 - $90/hr

We are seeking Respiratory Therapists to join our team of healthcare professionals! The successful candidate will be responsible for assessing and treating patients with respiratory and ...

New

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Respiratory Therapist information

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How much do respiratory therapist jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for 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 does a respiratory therapist do?

Respiratory therapists are medical workers and typically work in a hospital or similar healthcare facility setting. They care for patients with emphysema, asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, chest trauma, and cardiac failure. When working with patients, they conduct an examination to gain an understanding of any existing breathing issues that the patient may have. This examination may be as simple as a conversation-style interview, or it may be slightly more in-depth with various diagnostic tests. Once they have an understanding of the potential respiratory issues or risks, the respiratory therapist works with a physician to develop a patient treatment plan. Similar to other medical professionals, respiratory therapists are expected to work with their patients throughout the entire treatment process: monitoring, recording, and evaluating their progress.

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 cardiopulmonary anatomy, physiology, and therapeutic procedures, usually supported by an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in respiratory therapy and valid state licensure (such as CRT or RRT certification). Familiarity with ventilators, pulmonary function testing equipment, and electronic medical records is crucial. Strong communication, compassion, and problem-solving skills help in educating patients and collaborating with healthcare teams. These competencies are vital for delivering effective respiratory care, ensuring patient safety, and improving clinical outcomes.

What are some common challenges respiratory therapists face when working in acute care settings?

Respiratory Therapists in acute care environments often manage high patient volumes and must make quick, critical decisions, especially in emergency situations. They regularly collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including physicians and nurses, to deliver rapid interventions for patients with severe respiratory distress. Adapting to rapidly changing patient conditions and maintaining accuracy under pressure are key challenges, but these situations also offer valuable opportunities to develop advanced clinical and teamwork skills.

What is the difference between Respiratory Therapist vs Cardiopulmonary Therapist?

AspectRespiratory TherapistCardiopulmonary Therapist
CredentialsAssociate's or Bachelor's in Respiratory Therapy, licensureSimilar credentials, often the same certifications
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, home careHospitals, rehab centers, outpatient clinics
Industry UsageHealthcare, respiratory careCardiopulmonary rehabilitation, respiratory care

Respiratory Therapists and Cardiopulmonary Therapists often share similar credentials and work environments, focusing on respiratory and cardiopulmonary health. While their roles overlap, Respiratory Therapists primarily manage breathing disorders, whereas Cardiopulmonary Therapists may focus more on rehabilitation and cardiac-related respiratory issues.

Is becoming a respiratory therapist worth it?

Respiratory therapists play a vital role in healthcare by assessing and treating patients with breathing disorders, often working in hospitals and clinics. The profession requires specialized training and certification, with job growth driven by an aging population and increased respiratory illnesses. It can offer a stable career with opportunities for advancement and specialization.

What cities are hiring for Respiratory Therapist jobs?

Cities with the most Respiratory Therapist job openings:

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

The most popular types of Respiratory Therapist jobs are:

Who are the top companies hiring for Respiratory Therapist jobs?

The top employers for Respiratory Therapist jobs are:

What states have the most Respiratory Therapist jobs?

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

Infographic showing various 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

Respiratory Therapy

New Bedford, MA • On-site

$33.39 - $52.22/hr

Other

Retirement

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Respiratory Therapist

Find out for yourself why Southcoast Health has been voted 'Best Place to Work' for 6 years in a row! Join Southcoast Health, where your future is as promising as the care we provide. Our commitment to each other, our patients, and our community is more than a mission - it's our way of life, and you'll be at the heart of it.

Southcoast Health is a not-for-profit, charitable, health system with multiple hospitals, clinics and facilities throughout Southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Nestled in local communities, Southcoast Health provides inclusive, ethical workplaces where our highly skilled caregivers offer world-class, comprehensive healthcare close to home.

*$4,000 New Hire Sign-On Bonus (Rehires Termed More than 1 year also eligible)* We are searching for a talented Respiratory Therapist.

Hours: 24 flex 32hrs

Shift: evening shift with every 3rd weekend and holiday rotation; predominantly 3pm-11:30pm; Rotation to all shifts as needed; May be scheduled a combination of 8 and 12 hour shifts

Location: St. Luke's Hospital, Fall River MA

A career at Southcoast Health offers you:

  • A culture of well-being that embraces, respects, and celebrates the rich diversity of one another and the communities we serve
  • Competitive pay and comprehensive benefits package
  • Generous Earned Time Off Package**
  • Employee Wellbeing Program
  • 403B Retirement Plan with company match
  • Tuition assistance / Federal Loan Forgiveness programs
  • Professional growth opportunities and customized leadership training

**Available to regular status employees who are scheduled to work a minimum of 20 hours.

Southcoast Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Responsibilities

Under the general supervision and direction of the Manager, Respiratory Care or designee, perform diversified duties in administering and monitoring Respiratory Care Services according to Physician's orders. Services including but not limited to; Chest Physical Therapy (CPT), sputum induction, breathing exercises, medication delivery, fit testing, Tuberculosis (TB) testing, blood sampling and analysis, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), airway management, bronchoscopy assistance, evaluation and assessment, protocol implementation, patient and family education, smoking cessation, non-invasive and invasive mechanical ventilation, airway management, heliox therapy, oxygen therapy, holter monitoring, Electrocardiogram (EKG) testing and Pulmonary Function Testing (PFT).

Qualifications
  • Graduate of an approved program for Respiratory Care is required; an Associates degree is preferred.
  • CRT is required, RRT is preferred.
  • Valid license from the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Respiratory Care is required. One (1) year of acute and chronic respiratory care experience is preferred.
  • Must be fully vaccinated against seasonal Influenza and the COVID 19 virus or to be exempt from the requirement for medical or personal reasons by signing a statement certifying you are choosing to be exempt from vaccination once hired.
Pay Range

USD $33.39 - USD $52.22 /Hr.

Rotation Schedule Requirement

Every 3rd weekend, holiday rotation