Respiratory Therapists
Assess, treat, and care for patients with breathing disorders. Assume primary responsibility for all respiratory care modalities, including the supervision of respiratory therapy technicians. Initiate and conduct therapeutic procedures; maintain patient records; and select, assemble, check, and operate equipment.
How to read this profile
BLS projects U.S. employment for Respiratory Therapists to increase by 8.5% between 2024 and 2034, from 142,000 to 154,200 jobs. Its estimate of 8,600 annual openings includes replacement needs, so it does not represent current vacancies, contract postings, or freelance demand. The wage ($82,280), education (Associate's degree), and related experience (None) figures on this profile describe typical U.S. employees. O*NET skills describe the occupation; they do not assess an individual worker's proficiency.
Base employment (2024)
142,000
Projected employment (2034)
154,200
Projected change (2024–2034)
9%
Annual openings (projected average)
8,600
Pay & Preparation
$82,280
Associate's degree
None
None
Essential Skills
Monitoring (4/5) • Active Listening (4/5) • Critical Thinking (4/5) • Speaking (3.88/5) • Reading Comprehension (3.88/5) • Social Perceptiveness (3.88/5)
O*NET describes occupational requirements; these ratings do not measure current job-posting frequency or an individual worker’s proficiency.
BLS projections are long-term estimates; annual openings include growth and replacement needs and are not current vacancies.
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