Respiratory therapists
BLS projects employment of respiratory therapists to change by +8.5% from 2025 to 2035, faster than the 3.5% projected for all occupations, with about 8,600 openings a year. The median annual wage in 2025 was $82,280 (all occupations: $50,980).
Updated
| Median annual wage, 2025 | $82,280 |
|---|---|
| Employment, 2025 | 142,000 |
| Projected employment, 2035 | 154,200 |
| Change, 2025–35 | +8.5% (+12,100) |
| Openings per year, 2025–35 average | 8,600 |
| Typical entry education | Associate's degree |
| Work experience in a related occupation | None |
| Typical on-the-job training | None |
Read the official BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook profile ↗
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program, Table 1.2 Occupational projections, 2025–35, and worker characteristics, 2025 ↗. Employment is for 2025, projections to 2035; median annual wage is for 2025; openings are the projected annual average for 2025–35. Figures are national, not local. Data last downloaded Oct 16, 2026.
Frequently asked questions
How much do respiratory therapists make?
BLS reports a median annual wage of $82,280 for respiratory therapists in 2025.
What is the job outlook for respiratory therapists?
BLS projects employment to change by +8.5% from 2025 to 2035, with about 8,600 openings per year on average.
What education do respiratory therapists need?
BLS lists the typical entry-level education as: Associate's degree. Typical on-the-job training: None.