Respiratory therapists
🤍 Save CareerRespiratory therapists play a vital role in the US economy, with 140K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $80,450, with projected growth of 12% through 2034 (Much faster than average).
💰 Salary Range
📈 Growth Outlook
🔥 High Growth — 12% projected growth🤖 AI Automation Risk
AI may assist but is unlikely to replace this role.
🤖AI Impact Deep Dive: Respiratory therapists
🔬 AI Impact Deep Dive: Respiratory therapists
AI Collaboration Score
Measures how much AI tools are used as collaborative assistants in this role (0% = no AI involvement, 100% = AI-intensive workflow)
🔮 Future Outlook
Respiratory therapy involves a significant amount of physical, hands-on patient care, such as performing chest physiotherapy, intubating patients, and maintaining equipment in real-time clinical environments. While AI will heavily assist in diagnostic analysis, ventilator setting optimization, and patient monitoring, the core of the job requires physical presence and interpersonal interaction that cannot be digitized.
Analysis based on Microsoft "Working with AI" research (2025), O*NET task data v30.2, and Bureau of Labor Statistics occupational projections. Updated March 2026.
🌅A Day in the Life
🌟Career Outlook & Getting Started
Why It's Promising
With 12% projected growth and a median salary of $80,450, this career offers strong prospects. While the field is specialized, demand remains consistent.
How to Get Started
Entry typically requires associate's degree. Start by exploring relevant AP courses in high school, gaining hands-on experience through internships or volunteering, and connecting with professionals in the field.
Who Is It For
Anyone interested in respiratory therapists who wants to build a rewarding career in this field.
🎓Majors & Top Schools
Recommended Majors
❓Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Respiratory therapists make in 2026?▼
The median salary for a Respiratory therapists is $80,450 per year. Entry-level positions start around $48,270, while experienced professionals can earn up to $128,720 depending on location, specialization, and industry.
How do I become a Respiratory therapists?▼
Entry typically requires associate's degree. Start by exploring relevant AP courses in high school, gaining hands-on experience through internships or volunteering, and connecting with professionals in the field. The typical education requirement is associate's degree. Recommended majors include Nursing (BSN).
What degree do you need to be a Respiratory therapists?▼
Most Respiratory therapists positions require associate's degree. The most relevant majors are Nursing (BSN). However, some professionals enter the field through alternative paths like bootcamps, certifications, or self-directed learning.
What AP courses should I take to become a Respiratory therapists?▼
Check PathLeap for personalized AP course recommendations for Respiratory therapists. The right AP courses depend on your target college major and career specialization.
What does a Respiratory therapists do on a daily basis?▼
As a respiratory therapist, your day involves a mix of specialized tasks that require both expertise and adaptability. You work with colleagues, clients, or patients depending on the setting, applying your training to solve real-world problems.
Is Respiratory therapists a good career in 2026?▼
With 12% projected growth and a median salary of $80,450, this career offers strong prospects. While the field is specialized, demand remains consistent. Job growth is projected at 12%, which is declining. The median salary of $80,450 also positions it competitively in the job market.
Will AI replace Respiratory therapistss?▼
Respiratory therapists has an AI automation risk score of 40/100 (Low). AI will change how this work is done, but the core skills remain valuable. Professionals who learn to work with AI tools will have a significant advantage.
What kind of person makes a good Respiratory therapists?▼
Anyone interested in respiratory therapists who wants to build a rewarding career in this field. Success in this role also depends on continuous learning and adaptability, especially as the field evolves with new technology and industry trends.
Is Respiratory therapists Right for You?
Take our career quiz to see how Respiratory therapists matches your personality. Get personalized AP course recommendations and see what similar students are exploring.
Free · No signup required