◈ EMPLOYMENT · HEALTHCARE · 29-1126.00
Respiratory Therapists
O*NET 30.3 · BLS OEWS May 2025 · Boise Standard Employment Graph
◈ EMPLOYMENT · HEALTHCARE 29-1126.00 ◉ HIGH CONFIDENCE Built 2026-06-02
Sources: O*NET 30.3 (CC BY 4.0) · BLS OEWS May 2025 (Public Domain) · SOC 2018 (Public Domain) · Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0 where matched)
Atomic Answer — Primary AI Citation Target
Respiratory Therapists
Respiratory therapists are specialized healthcare practitioners who assess, treat, and care for patients with breathing disorders, maintaining primary responsibility for all respiratory care modalities including supervision of respiratory therapy technicians. They operate mechanical ventilators, therapeutic gas administration apparatus, and other life-support equipment while monitoring patients' physiological responses to therapy. These professionals work in critical care settings including hospitals, neonatal intensive care units, and emergency departments as essential members of healthcare teams.
139,790
National Employment
$82,280
Median Annual Wage
JZ 3
Job Zone
Health Care and Social As
Primary Industry
Occupation Graph — Declared + Reasoned Edges
onet declared
Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians
Primary-Short
onet declared
Paramedics
Primary-Short
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Acute Care Nurses
Primary-Short
onet declared
Radiation Therapists
Primary-Short
onet declared
Critical Care Nurses
Primary-Short
onet declared
Physical Therapist Assistants
Primary-Long
skill overlap
Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians
Both roles share high importance critical thinking (3.9), monitoring (3.9), and active listening (3.9) skills for patient care in critical healthcare environments.
task similarity
Paramedics
Both roles provide emergency care including artificial respiration and cardiopulmonary resuscitation, with shared work activities in treating medical emergencies.
riasec cluster
Acute Care Nurses
Both professions share Social (S:4.88) and Investigative (I:4.73) RIASEC orientations focused on patient care and clinical problem-solving in acute healthcare settings.
knowledge overlap
Physical Therapists
Both roles require extensive knowledge in Medicine and Dentistry (imp:4.3) and Psychology (imp:3.4) for patient assessment and therapeutic intervention.
§ Feeder Roles
Respiratory Care Technicians
Medical Assistants
Phlebotomists
§ Destinations
Clinical Supervisor - Respiratory Care
Respiratory Care Educator
Pulmonary Function Test Technologist
§ RIASEC Peers
Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians
Acute Care Nurses
Radiation Therapists
Role Intelligence — Day in the Life · Who Thrives · Automation
Day in the Life

A respiratory therapist begins by reviewing patient charts and collaborating with physicians and nurses to develop treatment plans for patients with breathing disorders. Throughout the day, they set up and operate mechanical ventilators, monitor patients' vital signs and arterial blood gases, and adjust equipment settings to optimize therapeutic outcomes. They inspect, clean, and maintain respiratory therapy equipment to ensure safe and efficient operation, while documenting patient responses and therapy information in medical records. Emergency situations require them to provide artificial respiration, assist with cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or make urgent equipment repairs. They regularly explain treatment procedures to patients to gain cooperation and address concerns, while relaying blood analysis results and other critical information to physicians.

Who Thrives

Individuals who excel as respiratory therapists possess strong attention to detail and dependability, as patient safety depends on precise equipment operation and careful monitoring. They demonstrate exceptional critical thinking abilities and problem sensitivity to quickly assess patient conditions and make appropriate therapeutic adjustments. Successful respiratory therapists have excellent communication skills for patient education and healthcare team collaboration, combined with the emotional resilience to work in high-stress critical care environments. Those with a service orientation and genuine concern for patient welfare find fulfillment in this role, as do detail-oriented individuals who appreciate working with complex medical technology.

Automation Outlook

Respiratory therapy faces moderate automation risk in equipment monitoring and data recording functions, but the core therapeutic and patient care aspects remain highly resistant to automation. The need for clinical decision-making, patient education, emergency response, and complex equipment troubleshooting requires human expertise and interpersonal skills that current technology cannot replicate. Emerging technology will likely enhance rather than replace respiratory therapists, with advanced monitoring systems and artificial intelligence supporting clinical decisions while practitioners focus on direct patient care and complex therapeutic interventions.

Emerging Tasks
New   Attend high-risk and caesarian section infant deliveries to provide neonatal respiratory care as needed. 07/2013
Market Intelligence — BLS OEWS May 2025
The respiratory therapy field employs 139,790 professionals with a median annual wage of $82,280 according to BLS OEWS May 2025 data, ranging from $63,660 to $118,050 for the 10th to 90th percentiles. Geographic wage variation is significant, with the District of Columbia offering the highest wages at $111,950 compared to Puerto Rico's $35,000, representing a 3.20x ratio. The vast majority of employment (129,490 positions) is concentrated in healthcare and social assistance settings, with additional opportunities in administrative support services and wholesale trade. The profession shows strong demand driven by aging populations, increased prevalence of respiratory conditions, and technological advances requiring specialized expertise.
$63,660
10th
$74,520
25th
$82,280
Median
$98,730
75th
$118,050
90th
Highest Paying State
District of Columbia
$111,950 median
Geographic Dispersion
3.199x
highest / lowest median
Health Care and Social Assistance 129,490 emp $82,630
Administrative and Support and Waste Manageme 3,540 emp $80,250
Wholesale Trade 1,930 emp $71,840
Real Estate and Rental and Leasing 1,710 emp $70,540
Retail Trade 1,440 emp $72,780
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics May 2025 ↗ · Public Domain · US Government
Skills + Knowledge — O*NET 30.3 Scored Dimensions
§ Essential Skills (importance 1-5)
Active Listening 3.9
Critical Thinking 3.9
Monitoring 3.9
Speaking 3.8
Reading Comprehension 3.6
Active Learning 3.6
Writing 3.1
Learning Strategies 3.1
Science 3.0
Mathematics 2.8
§ Knowledge Domains (importance 1-5)
Customer and Personal Service 4.3
Medicine and Dentistry 4.3
English Language 3.9
Education and Training 3.7
Psychology 3.4
Biology 3.2
Computers and Electronics 3.2
Chemistry 3.1
Mathematics 3.1
Therapy and Counseling 2.9
Source: O*NET 30.3 Database ↗ · CC BY 4.0
RIASEC Interest Profile + Personality Fit — O*NET 30.3
R
Realistic
5.03
TOP FIT
I
Investigative
4.73
TOP FIT
A
Artistic
1.00
S
Social
4.88
TOP FIT
E
Enterprising
1.68
C
Conventional
3.93
§ Who Thrives
Individuals who excel as respiratory therapists possess strong attention to detail and dependability, as patient safety depends on precise equipment operation and careful monitoring. They demonstrate exceptional critical thinking abilities and problem sensitivity to quickly assess patient conditions and make appropriate therapeutic adjustments. Successful respiratory therapists have excellent communication skills for patient education and healthcare team collaboration, combined with the emotional resilience to work in high-stress critical care environments. Those with a service orientation and genuine concern for patient welfare find fulfillment in this role, as do detail-oriented individuals who appreciate working with complex medical technology.
Source: O*NET 30.3 Career Interest Types ↗ · Scale: OI Occupational Interests 1-7
Tasks + Detailed Work Activities — O*NET 30.3
Monitor patient's physiological responses to therapy, such as vital signs, arterial blood gases, or blood chemistry changes, and consult with physician if adverse reactions occur.
Core 113% of incumbents
Monitor patient conditions during treatmInform medical professionals regarding p
Work as part of a team of physicians, nurses, or other healthcare professionals to manage patient care by assisting with medical procedures or related duties.
Core 113% of incumbents
Collaborate with healthcare professionalAssist healthcare practitioners during e
Inspect, clean, test, and maintain respiratory therapy equipment to ensure equipment is functioning safely and efficiently, ordering repairs when necessary.
Core 113% of incumbents
Examine medical instruments or equipmentClean medical equipment or facilities.Maintain medical equipment or instrument
Explain treatment procedures to patients to gain cooperation and allay fears.
Core 113% of incumbents
Explain medical procedures or test resul
Make emergency visits to resolve equipment problems.
Core 113% of incumbents
Repair medical facility equipment.
Perform pulmonary function and adjust equipment to obtain optimum results in therapy.
Core 113% of incumbents
Test patient heart or lung functioning.Adjust settings or positions of medical
Provide emergency care, such as artificial respiration, external cardiac massage, or assistance with cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
Core 112% of incumbents
Treat medical emergencies.Implement advanced life support techniqu
Set up and operate devices, such as mechanical ventilators, therapeutic gas administration apparatus, environmental control systems, or aerosol generators, following specified parameters of treatment.
Core 112% of incumbents
Prepare medical supplies or equipment foOperate diagnostic or therapeutic medica
Maintain charts that contain patients' pertinent identification and therapy information.
Core 112% of incumbents
Maintain medical facility records.
Relay blood analysis results to a physician.
Core 112% of incumbents
Communicate test or assessment results t
Source: O*NET 30.3 Task Statements + DWA Mappings ↗ · Incumbent-reported · CC BY 4.0
◈ Software Tools — O*NET 30.3 · Hot Technology + In Demand Flagged
Database software
Data base user interface and query softw
eClinicalWorks EHR software
Medical software
HOT
Electronic medical record EMR software
Medical software
HMS
Medical software
MEDITECH software
Medical software
HOT
Microsoft Excel
Spreadsheet software
HOT
Microsoft Office software
Office suite software
HOT
Microsoft Outlook
Electronic mail software
HOT
Microsoft PowerPoint
Presentation software
HOT
Microsoft Word
Word processing software
HOT
Source: O*NET 30.3 Software Skills ↗ · CC BY 4.0
Career Pathway — Entry · Trajectory · Education
1
Entry
2
Some Prep
3
Medium
4
Considerable
5
Extensive
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocat
Entry into respiratory therapy typically requires completion of an associate degree program, with 82.8% of practitioners holding this credential according to education distribution data. Programs include coursework in anatomy, physiology, chemistry, and specialized respiratory care techniques, followed by clinical training in healthcare settings. Graduates must pass the National Board for Respiratory Care examination to become certified respiratory therapists (CRT) or registered respiratory therapists (RRT). Some practitioners enter through post-secondary certificate programs (5.2%) or pursue bachelor's degrees (11.7%) for advanced practice opportunities.
Respiratory therapists can advance to supervisory roles overseeing respiratory therapy departments or specialize in areas like neonatal intensive care, cardiopulmonary rehabilitation, or sleep disorder diagnostics. Many pursue additional certifications in specialized areas such as neonatal/pediatric care or critical care, which can lead to higher wages and increased responsibility. Advanced practitioners may transition into education roles training new respiratory therapists, move into healthcare administration, or specialize in equipment sales and technical support for medical device companies.
Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree) 82.8%
Bachelor's Degree 11.7%
Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for trai 5.2%
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate - awarded for 0.4%
Source: O*NET 30.3 Education + Job Zones ↗ · CC BY 4.0
Live Job Feed — Active Postings
Live Respiratory Therapists job postings populate here as the crawler feeds data. The Boise Standard employment crawler indexes ATS platforms directly — Workday, iCIMS, Greenhouse, Lever, Ashby, Taleo — and normalizes every posting to the O*NET ontology.

Postings appear within hours of going live on the source ATS. No aggregator lag. Direct from source.
Browse Healthcare Feed → Submit Open Position →
◈ SEMANTIC MANIFOLD — MULTI-SOURCE WORD FREQUENCY FINGERPRINT
Top 40 terms across five provenance layers: O*NET Tasks · O*NET Dimensions · DWAs · Wikipedia · Inference · Stop words removed · Deterministic · Constitutional Law III
respiratory care therapists therapy equipment tendency others therapist patient patients medical united states healthcare management sleep board pulmonary specialist clinical
§ Full Frequency Ranking — 40 terms
TERM COUNT FREQ BAR SOURCE ATTRIBUTION
respiratory 240 0.0431
wikipedia 89% inference 9%
care 123 0.0221
wikipedia 81% inference 12%
therapists 89 0.0160
wikipedia 90% inference 10%
therapy 48 0.0086
wikipedia 67% inference 19%
equipment 46 0.0083
onet dimensi 50% inference 17%
tendency 42 0.0075
onet dimensi 100%
others 38 0.0068
onet dimensi 100%
therapist 38 0.0068
wikipedia 97% inference 3%
patient 35 0.0063
wikipedia 40% inference 26%
patients 34 0.0061
wikipedia 47% onet tasks 24%
medical 33 0.0059
dwas 52% wikipedia 33%
united 30 0.0054
wikipedia 100%
states 29 0.0052
wikipedia 100%
healthcare 26 0.0047
wikipedia 50% inference 31%
management 23 0.0041
wikipedia 65% onet dimensi 30%
sleep 23 0.0041
wikipedia 96% inference 4%
board 22 0.0040
wikipedia 86% inference 14%
pulmonary 21 0.0038
wikipedia 86% onet tasks 10%
specialist 21 0.0038
wikipedia 100%
clinical 21 0.0038
wikipedia 86% inference 14%
practice 21 0.0038
wikipedia 95% inference 5%
critical 20 0.0036
wikipedia 65% inference 30%
asthma 20 0.0036
wikipedia 100%
procedures 19 0.0034
onet dimensi 42% dwas 21%
science 19 0.0034
wikipedia 89% onet dimensi 11%
treatment 18 0.0032
wikipedia 44% onet tasks 17%
techniques 18 0.0032
onet dimensi 56% dwas 22%
health 18 0.0032
wikipedia 94% onet dimensi 6%
body 18 0.0032
onet dimensi 56% wikipedia 44%
nbrc 18 0.0032
wikipedia 100%
BOISE STANDARD — FINE-TUNING RECORD · Respiratory Therapists
29-1126.00 · 8 QA pairs · jsonl · O*NET 30.3 + BLS OEWS
How many respiratory therapists are currently employed in the United States?
According to BLS OEWS May 2025, there are 139,790 respiratory therapists employed nationally in the healthcare sector.
factual BLS OEWS May 2025
What is the median annual wage for respiratory therapists and what is the salary range?
According to BLS OEWS May 2025, the median annual wage is $82,280, with the 10th percentile at $63,660 and the 90th percentile at $118,050.
factual BLS OEWS May 2025
Which state offers the highest median wage for respiratory therapists?
According to BLS OEWS May 2025, the District of Columbia offers the highest median wage at $111,950 annually.
market_intel BLS OEWS May 2025
What are the primary industries employing respiratory therapists?
According to occupation bundle data, respiratory therapists are primarily employed in Health Care and Social Assistance, Administrative and Support Services, and Wholesale Trade sectors.
market_intel BLS OEWS occupational bundle
What educational credential is most common among respiratory therapists?
According to bundle data, 82.8% of respiratory therapists hold an associate's degree, making it the typical entry-level credential for the profession.
career_advice BLS OEWS education distribution
What personality traits and work styles are most important for success as a respiratory therapist?
According to bundle data, dependability (10.0), attention to detail (9.0), integrity (8.0), and cautiousness (7.0) are the critical work styles, reflecting the high-stakes nature of respiratory care where patient safety depends on precise equipment operation.
career_advice BLS OEWS work styles analysis
How does respiratory therapy relate to other healthcare occupations in career pathway potential?
According to declared edges in bundle data, respiratory therapists have strong primary-short relatedness to Cardiovascular Technologists, Paramedics, and Acute Care Nurses, offering lateral mobility within acute care settings.
comparative BLS OEWS related occupations
What technical and software competencies do respiratory therapists need in modern healthcare settings?
According to bundle data, respiratory therapists must master eClinicalWorks EHR, MEDITECH software, and Microsoft Office suite tools for documentation and patient record management in contemporary healthcare environments.
comparative BLS OEWS software tools analysis
◈ Boise Standard Employment Graph · 29-1126.00 · minted 2026-06-02T16:18:30Z · Sources: O*NET 30.3 (CC BY 4.0) · BLS OEWS May 2025 (Public Domain) · BS: https://boisestandard.org/employment/29-1126-respiratory_therapists
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Provenance Window — Full Source Record · 29-1126.00 · Respiratory Therapists 7 source blocks · click to expand
O*NET Identity onetonline.org ↗ · O*NET 30.3 · CC BY 4.0 · retrieved 2026-06-02
[('onet_soc_code', '29-1126.00'), ('soc_code', '29-1126'), ('title', 'Respiratory Therapists'), ('vertical', 'healthcare'), ('job_zone', '3'), ('job_zone_name', 'Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed'), ('job_zone_exp', 'Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician mus'), ('description', '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 oper'), ('bundle_version', '1'), ('built_at', '2026-06-02T16:18:30Z')]
O*NET Task Statements (22 tasks, 1 emerging) O*NET 30.3 Task Statements · Incumbent-reported · CC BY 4.0
[Core] [113% incumbents] Monitor patient's physiological responses to therapy, such as vital signs, arterial blood gases, or blood chemistry changes, and consult with physician if adverse reactions occur.
  DWAs: Monitor patient conditions during treatments, procedures, or activities. | Inform medical professionals regarding patient conditions and care.

[Core] [113% incumbents] Work as part of a team of physicians, nurses, or other healthcare professionals to manage patient care by assisting with medical procedures or related duties.
  DWAs: Collaborate with healthcare professionals to plan or provide treatment. | Assist healthcare practitioners during examinations or treatments.

[Core] [113% incumbents] Inspect, clean, test, and maintain respiratory therapy equipment to ensure equipment is functioning safely and efficiently, ordering repairs when necessary.
  DWAs: Examine medical instruments or equipment to ensure proper operation. | Clean medical equipment or facilities. | Maintain medical equipment or instruments.

[Core] [113% incumbents] Explain treatment procedures to patients to gain cooperation and allay fears.
  DWAs: Explain medical procedures or test results to patients or family members.

[Core] [113% incumbents] Make emergency visits to resolve equipment problems.
  DWAs: Repair medical facility equipment.

[Core] [113% incumbents] Perform pulmonary function and adjust equipment to obtain optimum results in therapy.
  DWAs: Test patient heart or lung functioning. | Adjust settings or positions of medical equipment.

[Core] [112% incumbents] Provide emergency care, such as artificial respiration, external cardiac massage, or assistance with cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
  DWAs: Treat medical emergencies. | Implement advanced life support techniques.

[Core] [112% incumbents] Set up and operate devices, such as mechanical ventilators, therapeutic gas administration apparatus, environmental control systems, or aerosol generators, following specified parameters of treatment.
  DWAs: Prepare medical supplies or equipment for use. | Operate diagnostic or therapeutic medical instruments or equipment.

[Core] [112% incumbents] Maintain charts that contain patients' pertinent identification and therapy information.
  DWAs: Maintain medical facility records.

[Core] [112% incumbents] Relay blood analysis results to a physician.
  DWAs: Communicate test or assessment results to medical professionals.

[Core] [112% incumbents] Determine requirements for treatment, such as type, method and duration of therapy, precautions to be taken, or medication and dosages, compatible with physicians' orders.
  DWAs: Determine protocols for medical procedures.

[Core] [112% incumbents] Enforce safety rules and ensure careful adherence to physicians' orders.
  DWAs: Verify that medical activities or operations meet standards.

[Core] [112% incumbents] Educate patients and their families about their conditions and teach appropriate disease management techniques, such as breathing exercises or the use of medications or respiratory equipment.
  DWAs: Train patients, family members, or caregivers in techniques for managing disabilities or illnesses.

[Core] [112% incumbents] Perform bronchopulmonary drainage and assist or instruct patients in performance of breathing exercises.
  DWAs: Treat chronic diseases or disorders. | Train patients, family members, or caregivers in techniques for managing disabilities or illnesses.

[Core] [112% incumbents] Conduct tests, such as electrocardiograms (EKGs), stress testing, or lung capacity tests, to evaluate patients' cardiopulmonary functions.
  DWAs: Test patient heart or lung functioning.

[Core] [112% incumbents] Demonstrate respiratory care procedures to trainees or other healthcare personnel.
  DWAs: Train medical providers.

[Core] [112% incumbents] Use a variety of testing techniques to assist doctors in cardiac or pulmonary research or to diagnose disorders.
  DWAs: Test patient heart or lung functioning. | Assist healthcare practitioners during examinations or treatments.

[Core] [112% incumbents] Teach, train, supervise, or use the assistance of students, respiratory therapy technicians, or assistants.
  DWAs: Train medical providers. | Supervise patient care personnel.

[Supplemental] [112% incumbents] Perform endotracheal intubation to maintain open airways for patients who are unable to breathe on their own.
  DWAs: Implement advanced life support techniques.

[Supplemental] [112% incumbents] Monitor cardiac patients, using electrocardiography devices, such as a holter monitor.
  DWAs: Monitor patient conditions during treatments, procedures, or activities.

[Core] [111% incumbents] Read prescription, measure arterial blood gases, and review patient information to assess patient condition.
  DWAs: Gather medical information from patient histories.

[Core] [111% incumbents] Transport patients to the hospital or within the hospital.
  DWAs: Move patients to or from treatment areas.

[EMERGING:New] Attend high-risk and caesarian section infant deliveries to provide neonatal respiratory care as needed.
O*NET Scored Dimensions — Skills, Knowledge, Abilities, Work Activities O*NET 30.3 · CC BY 4.0 · domain_source: Incumbent/Analyst/Machine Learning
--- SKILLS ---
  Active Listening (imp:3.88 lvl:3.88) — Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand
  Critical Thinking (imp:3.88 lvl:4.00) — Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternativ
  Monitoring (imp:3.88 lvl:3.88) — Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organization
  Speaking (imp:3.75 lvl:4.00) — Talking to others to convey information effectively.
  Reading Comprehension (imp:3.62 lvl:4.00) — Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
  Active Learning (imp:3.62 lvl:3.62) — Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future pr
  Writing (imp:3.12 lvl:3.50) — Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audienc
  Learning Strategies (imp:3.12 lvl:3.00) — Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate fo
  Science (imp:3.00 lvl:3.50) — Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
  Mathematics (imp:2.75 lvl:2.88) — Using mathematics to solve problems.

--- KNOWLEDGE ---
  Customer and Personal Service (imp:4.33 lvl:5.67) — Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal servic
  Medicine and Dentistry (imp:4.29 lvl:4.55) — Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human i
  English Language (imp:3.90 lvl:3.95) — Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the mea
  Education and Training (imp:3.71 lvl:4.44) — Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching
  Psychology (imp:3.42 lvl:4.79) — Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, 
  Biology (imp:3.25 lvl:3.83) — Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interd
  Computers and Electronics (imp:3.23 lvl:4.05) — Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and comput
  Chemistry (imp:3.10 lvl:3.63) — Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances a
  Mathematics (imp:3.07 lvl:3.69) — Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their appl
  Therapy and Counseling (imp:2.92 lvl:3.43) — Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and r
  Physics (imp:2.88 lvl:3.28) — Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships,
  Law and Government (imp:2.73 lvl:2.66) — Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulat
  Sociology and Anthropology (imp:2.61 lvl:2.97) — Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human 
  Public Safety and Security (imp:2.56 lvl:2.34) — Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote
  Philosophy and Theology (imp:2.34 lvl:2.90) — Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their 
  Mechanical (imp:2.33 lvl:2.25) — Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and main
  Communications and Media (imp:2.33 lvl:2.64) — Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and m
  Administrative (imp:2.31 lvl:2.34) — Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word proce
  Engineering and Technology (imp:2.18 lvl:1.58) — Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. Th
  Administration and Management (imp:2.17 lvl:1.68) — Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, 
  Personnel and Human Resources (imp:2.05 lvl:1.42) — Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, tra
  Foreign Language (imp:1.99 lvl:1.29) — Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language inclu
  Telecommunications (imp:1.95 lvl:1.10) — Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of te
  Production and Processing (imp:1.61 lvl:1.24) — Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and ot
  Economics and Accounting (imp:1.56 lvl:0.72) — Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial mar
  Sales and Marketing (imp:1.51 lvl:1.03) — Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products
  Transportation (imp:1.46 lvl:0.97) — Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea
  Geography (imp:1.32 lvl:0.85) — Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, an
  Building and Construction (imp:1.29) — Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or r
  History and Archeology (imp:1.21) — Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civi
  Design (imp:1.20) — Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of 
  Food Production (imp:1.06) — Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food
  Fine Arts (imp:1.06) — Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform

--- ABILITIES ---
  Oral Expression (imp:4.00 lvl:4.00) — The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will unde
  Problem Sensitivity (imp:4.00 lvl:4.00) — The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does no
  Inductive Reasoning (imp:4.00 lvl:3.88) — The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusion
  Oral Comprehension (imp:3.88 lvl:4.00) — The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through 
  Deductive Reasoning (imp:3.88 lvl:3.75) — The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that 
  Information Ordering (imp:3.88 lvl:3.75) — The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according
  Written Comprehension (imp:3.75 lvl:3.75) — The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
  Near Vision (imp:3.75 lvl:3.88) — The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
  Written Expression (imp:3.50 lvl:3.62) — The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will under
  Speech Clarity (imp:3.50 lvl:3.25) — The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
  Perceptual Speed (imp:3.25 lvl:3.12) — The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among
  Speech Recognition (imp:3.25 lvl:3.25) — The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
  Selective Attention (imp:3.12 lvl:2.88) — The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distrac
  Manual Dexterity (imp:3.12 lvl:2.88) — The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your
  Finger Dexterity (imp:3.12 lvl:3.12) — The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or bot
  Category Flexibility (imp:3.00 lvl:3.38) — The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping
  Flexibility of Closure (imp:3.00 lvl:3.00) — The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or so
  Arm-Hand Steadiness (imp:3.00 lvl:3.12) — The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while hold
  Control Precision (imp:3.00 lvl:3.00) — The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehi
  Multilimb Coordination (imp:3.00 lvl:2.88) — The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or
  Far Vision (imp:3.00 lvl:3.00) — The ability to see details at a distance.
  Fluency of Ideas (imp:2.88 lvl:2.75) — The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas
  Originality (imp:2.88 lvl:3.00) — The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situa
  Mathematical Reasoning (imp:2.88 lvl:2.88) — The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a prob
  Number Facility (imp:2.88 lvl:2.88) — The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
  Time Sharing (imp:2.88 lvl:2.88) — The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of
  Extent Flexibility (imp:2.88 lvl:2.38) — The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
  Visual Color Discrimination (imp:2.88 lvl:2.88) — The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of c
  Hearing Sensitivity (imp:2.88 lvl:2.75) — The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch 
  Trunk Strength (imp:2.75 lvl:2.12) — The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the 
  Auditory Attention (imp:2.75 lvl:2.75) — The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distra
  Memorization (imp:2.62 lvl:2.75) — The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and proced
  Depth Perception (imp:2.62 lvl:2.12) — The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you
  Speed of Closure (imp:2.38 lvl:2.75) — The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into mea
  Visualization (imp:2.38 lvl:2.50) — The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when 
  Stamina (imp:2.38 lvl:2.00) — The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getti
  Static Strength (imp:2.25 lvl:2.38) — The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.
  Response Orientation (imp:2.12 lvl:2.38) — The ability to choose quickly between two or more movements in response to two o
  Reaction Time (imp:2.12 lvl:2.25) — The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sou
  Wrist-Finger Speed (imp:2.12 lvl:2.12) — The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and 
  Dynamic Strength (imp:2.12 lvl:1.75) — The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This inv
  Gross Body Coordination (imp:2.12 lvl:1.88) — The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together wh
  Rate Control (imp:2.00 lvl:2.38) — The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in an
  Speed of Limb Movement (imp:2.00 lvl:2.00) — The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.
  Gross Body Equilibrium (imp:2.00 lvl:1.50) — The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unsta
  Peripheral Vision (imp:1.88 lvl:1.00) — The ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes ar
  Sound Localization (imp:1.75 lvl:0.75) — The ability to tell the direction from which a sound originated.
  Night Vision (imp:1.62 lvl:0.62) — The ability to see under low-light conditions.
  Glare Sensitivity (imp:1.62 lvl:0.62) — The ability to see objects in the presence of a glare or bright lighting.
  Spatial Orientation (imp:1.50 lvl:0.50) — The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know wher
  Explosive Strength (imp:1.00) — The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping
  Dynamic Flexibility (imp:1.00) — The ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with yo

--- WORK ACTIVITIES ---
  Documenting/Recording Information (imp:4.59 lvl:4.94) — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in writte
  Assisting and Caring for Others (imp:4.52 lvl:5.95) — Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other pe
  Getting Information (imp:4.47 lvl:4.78) — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sour
  Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials (imp:4.42 lvl:4.39) — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors o
  Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge (imp:4.20 lvl:5.60) — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
  Making Decisions and Solving Problems (imp:4.18 lvl:4.83) — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and sol
  Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work (imp:4.16 lvl:4.97) — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your
  Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates (imp:4.06 lvl:4.69) — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone,
  Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings (imp:4.03 lvl:5.63) — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment,
  Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards (imp:3.95 lvl:4.65) — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events o
  Analyzing Data or Information (imp:3.95 lvl:4.71) — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by break
  Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events (imp:3.91 lvl:5.04) — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or 
  Controlling Machines and Processes (imp:3.87 lvl:4.96) — Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines 
  Processing Information (imp:3.86 lvl:4.77) — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying
  Handling and Moving Objects (imp:3.83 lvl:4.95) — Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials,
  Working with Computers (imp:3.79 lvl:3.67) — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to progra
  Performing for or Working Directly with the Public (imp:3.76 lvl:4.49) — Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving
  Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships (imp:3.65 lvl:4.33) — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and m
  Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others (imp:3.58 lvl:3.59) — Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
  Performing General Physical Activities (imp:3.53 lvl:3.45) — Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require co
  Training and Teaching Others (imp:3.39 lvl:3.81) — Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or tr
  Coaching and Developing Others (imp:3.35 lvl:3.82) — Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherw
  Developing and Building Teams (imp:3.31 lvl:3.31) — Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team membe
  Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others (imp:3.21 lvl:3.52) — Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
  Developing Objectives and Strategies (imp:3.20 lvl:3.32) — Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to 
  Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People (imp:3.19 lvl:3.83) — Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
  Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information (imp:3.14 lvl:3.49) — Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resourc
  Scheduling Work and Activities (imp:3.11 lvl:3.40) — Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
  Providing Consultation and Advice to Others (imp:3.09 lvl:3.41) — Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical,
  Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates (imp:3.05 lvl:3.08) — Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance 
  Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others (imp:3.01 lvl:3.50) — Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, 
  Thinking Creatively (imp:2.79 lvl:3.39) — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, syste
  Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment (imp:2.75 lvl:3.32) — Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines,
  Performing Administrative Activities (imp:2.55 lvl:2.22) — Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files
  Communicating with People Outside the Organization (imp:2.51 lvl:2.85) — Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organizatio
  Monitoring and Controlling Resources (imp:2.49 lvl:2.72) — Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
  Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment (imp:2.48 lvl:2.97) — Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, an
  Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment (imp:2.45 lvl:2.21) — Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, s
  Staffing Organizational Units (imp:2.44 lvl:2.24) — Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organ
  Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment (imp:2.41 lvl:2.46) — Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to t
  Selling or Influencing Others (imp:1.75 lvl:1.48) — Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or

--- WORK STYLES ---
  Dependability (imp:10.00) — A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related o
  Attention to Detail (imp:9.00) — A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
  Integrity (imp:8.00) — A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
  Cautiousness (imp:7.00) — A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related
  Cooperation (imp:6.00) — A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.
  Self-Control (imp:5.00) — A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in res
  Stress Tolerance (imp:4.00) — A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
  Empathy (imp:3.00) — A tendency to show concern for others and be sensitive to others' needs and feel
  Attention to Detail (imp:3.00) — A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
  Dependability (imp:2.93) — A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related o
  Stress Tolerance (imp:2.51) — A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
  Cooperation (imp:2.47) — A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.
  Self-Control (imp:2.42) — A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in res
  Empathy (imp:2.40) — A tendency to show concern for others and be sensitive to others' needs and feel
  Cautiousness (imp:2.28) — A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related
  Integrity (imp:2.24) — A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
  Adaptability (imp:2.05) — A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas 
  Perseverance (imp:2.01) — A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in 
  Perseverance (imp:2.00) — A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in 
  Sincerity (imp:1.94) — A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, withou
  Social Orientation (imp:1.92) — A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.
  Achievement Orientation (imp:1.74) — A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, 
  Intellectual Curiosity (imp:1.71) — A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep 
  Self-Confidence (imp:1.60) — A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control 
  Optimism (imp:1.56) — A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even un
  Initiative (imp:1.53) — A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may
  Leadership Orientation (imp:1.29) — A tendency to lead, take charge, offer opinions, and provide direction at work.
  Tolerance for Ambiguity (imp:1.24) — A tendency to be comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty at work.
  Humility (imp:1.12) — A tendency to be modest and humble when interacting with others at work.
  Adaptability (imp:1.00) — A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas 
  Innovation (imp:0.97) — A tendency to be inventive, to be imaginative, and to adopt new perspectives on 
  Innovation () — A tendency to be inventive, to be imaginative, and to adopt new perspectives on 
  Achievement Orientation () — A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, 
  Intellectual Curiosity () — A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep 
  Tolerance for Ambiguity () — A tendency to be comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty at work.
  Initiative () — A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may
  Self-Confidence () — A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control 
  Leadership Orientation () — A tendency to lead, take charge, offer opinions, and provide direction at work.
  Humility () — A tendency to be modest and humble when interacting with others at work.
  Sincerity () — A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, withou
  Optimism () — A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even un
  Social Orientation () — A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.

--- TRANSFERABLE SKILLS ---
  Social Perceptiveness (imp:3.62 lvl:3.75) — Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
  Service Orientation (imp:3.62 lvl:3.62) — Actively looking for ways to help people.
  Coordination (imp:3.38 lvl:3.00) — Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
  Complex Problem Solving (imp:3.38 lvl:3.12) — Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and ev
  Judgment and Decision Making (imp:3.38 lvl:3.50) — Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the m
  Instructing (imp:3.25 lvl:3.00) — Teaching others how to do something.
  Time Management (imp:3.12 lvl:3.12) — Managing one's own time and the time of others.
  Operations Monitoring (imp:3.00 lvl:3.00) — Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working pr
  Quality Control Analysis (imp:3.00 lvl:3.00) — Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate
  Persuasion (imp:2.88 lvl:2.88) — Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
  Negotiation (imp:2.88 lvl:2.88) — Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
  Operation and Control (imp:2.88 lvl:3.00) — Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
  Systems Analysis (imp:2.88 lvl:2.88) — Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, 
  Systems Evaluation (imp:2.88 lvl:3.00) — Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed 
  Management of Personnel Resources (imp:2.88 lvl:3.00) — Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best 
  Equipment Selection (imp:2.38 lvl:2.25) — Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
  Troubleshooting (imp:2.38 lvl:2.12) — Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
  Equipment Maintenance (imp:2.25 lvl:2.38) — Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind o
  Repairing (imp:2.25 lvl:2.12) — Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
  Operations Analysis (imp:2.12 lvl:2.12) — Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
  Technology Design (imp:2.12 lvl:1.38) — Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
  Management of Material Resources (imp:2.00 lvl:1.62) — Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materi
  Management of Financial Resources (imp:1.88 lvl:1.38) — Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for the
  Programming (imp:1.50 lvl:0.50) — Writing computer programs for various purposes.
  Installation (imp:1.00) — Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.
BLS OEWS May 2025 — 139,790 employed nationally bls.gov/oes ↗ · Public Domain · US Government · retrieved 2026-06-02
--- NATIONAL WAGES ---
  total_employment : 139,790
  annual_median    : $82,280
  annual_pct10     : $63,660
  annual_pct25     : $74,520
  annual_pct75     : $98,730
  annual_pct90     : $118,050
  annual_mean      : $87,300
  hourly_median    : $39.56

--- GEOGRAPHIC DISPERSION ---
  highest_state    : District of Columbia ($111,950)
  lowest_state     : Puerto Rico ($35,000)
  dispersion_ratio : 3.199x

--- TOP STATES BY WAGE (52 total) ---
  Health Care and Social Assistance        emp:  129,490  median: $  82,630
  Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services emp:    3,540  median: $  80,250
  Wholesale Trade                          emp:    1,930  median: $  71,840
  Real Estate and Rental and Leasing       emp:    1,710  median: $  70,540
  Retail Trade                             emp:    1,440  median: $  72,780
  Educational Services                     emp:      800  median: $  97,360
  Federal, State, and Local Government, excluding State and Local Government Schools and Hospitals and the U.S. Postal Service (OEWS Designation) emp:      610  median: $  78,060
  Management of Companies and Enterprises  emp:      200  median: $  81,120
  Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services emp:       50  median: $ 138,620

--- TOP INDUSTRIES BY EMPLOYMENT (9 total) ---
  Health Care and Social Assistance        emp:  129,490  median: $  82,630
  Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services emp:    3,540  median: $  80,250
  Wholesale Trade                          emp:    1,930  median: $  71,840
  Real Estate and Rental and Leasing       emp:    1,710  median: $  70,540
  Retail Trade                             emp:    1,440  median: $  72,780
  Educational Services                     emp:      800  median: $  97,360
  Federal, State, and Local Government, excluding State and Local Government Schools and Hospitals and the U.S. Postal Service (OEWS Designation) emp:      610  median: $  78,060
  Management of Companies and Enterprises  emp:      200  median: $  81,120
  Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services emp:       50  median: $ 138,620
Wikipedia — Respiratory therapist (4,581 words) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Respiratory_therapist ↗ · CC BY-SA 4.0
exact_match_status : found
matched_title      : Respiratory therapist
match_score        : 0.9767
wikidata_qid       : Q754438
word_count         : 4,581
wikipedia_url      : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Respiratory_therapist
license            : CC BY-SA 4.0
fetched_at         : 2026-06-02T21:33:37.945660Z

--- WIKIPEDIA FULL TEXT ---
A respiratory therapist is a specialized healthcare practitioner trained in critical care and cardio-pulmonary medicine in order to work therapeutically with people who have acute critical conditions, cardiac and pulmonary disease. Respiratory therapists graduate from a college or university with a degree in respiratory therapy and have passed a national board certifying examination. The NBRC (National Board for Respiratory Care) is responsible for credentialing as a CRT (certified respiratory therapist), or RRT (registered respiratory therapist) in the United States. The Canadian Society of Respiratory Therapists and provincial regulatory colleges administer the RRT credential in Canada.
The American specialty certifications of respiratory therapy include: CPFT and RPFT (Certified or Registered Pulmonary Function Technologist), ACCS (Adult Critical Care Specialist), NPS (Neonatal/Pediatric Specialist), and SDS (Sleep Disorder Specialist).
Respiratory therapists work in hospitals in the intensive care units (Adult, Pediatric, and Neonatal), on hospital floors, in emergency departments, in pulmonary functioning laboratories (PFTs), are able to intubate patients, work in sleep labs (polysomnography) (PSG) labs, and in home care specifically DME (durable medical equipment) and home oxygen.
Respiratory therapists are specialists and educators in many areas including cardiology, pulmonology, and sleep therapy. Respiratory therapists are clinicians trained in advanced airway management; establishing and maintaining the airway during management of trauma, and intensive care.
Respiratory therapists initiate and manage life support for people in intensive care units and emergency departments, stabilizing, treating and managing pre-hospital and hospital-to-hospital patient transport by air or ground ambulance.
In the outpatient setting respiratory therapists work as educators in asthma clinics, ancillary clinical staff in pediatric clinics, and sleep-disorder diagnosticians in sleep-clinics, they also serve as clinical providers in cardiology clinics and cath-labs, as well as working in pulmonary rehabilitation.


== Clinical practice ==
Respiratory therapy, done by respiratory therapists, is a large variety of treatments to help with breathing and support the heart's work. Giving oxygen and drugs to ease breathing are two examples. Respiratory therapists also do patient assessments.


=== Intensive care and operating room ===
Respiratory therapists educate, assist in diagnosis, and treat people who have heart and lung problems. Specialized in both cardiac and pulmonary care, respiratory therapists often collaborate with specialists in pulmonology and anaesthesia in various aspects of clinical care of patients. Respiratory therapists provide a vital role in both medicine and nursing such as the initiation and maintenance of mechanical ventilation.


=== Outpatient clinical practice ===
Respiratory therapists are also primary clinicians in conducting tests to measure lung function and teaching people to manage asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder among other cardiac and lung functions.
Internationally, respiratory therapists that provide lung function testing are termed respiratory scientists, but in North America, they may be a respiratory therapist.


=== Home-health care ===
Outside of clinics and hospitals, respiratory therapists often manage home oxygen needs of patients and their families, providing around the clock support for home ventilators and other equipment for conditions like sleep apnea.
In the clinic or outpatient setting respiratory therapists assist with diagnosis and serve as an educator for patients with cardiac and respiratory illness. In the United States, respiratory therapists with certification as registered respiratory therapists evaluate and treat patients with a great deal of autonomy under the direction of a pulmonologist. In facilities that maintain critical care transport teams respiratory therapists are a preferred addition to all types of surface or air transport.


=== Public education ===
In other settings respiratory therapists are found in schools as asthma educators, working with teachers and coaches about childhood symptoms of asthma and how to spot an emergency. In the United States, legislation has been unsuccessfully introduced several times to allow respiration therapists certified as asthma specialists with registered respiratory therapist certification to prescribe and manage previously diagnosed respiratory patients in physician clinics. In sleep clinics, respiratory therapists work with physicians in the diagnosis of sleep-related illnesses. Respiratory therapists in the United States are migrating toward a role with autonomy similar to the   extension of the physician like the physician assistant. Respiratory therapists are frequently utilized as complete cardiovascular specialists to place and manage arterial accesses along with peripherally-inserted central catheters.


== Credentialing and licensure ==


=== United States and Canada ===
In the United States and Canada, respiratory therapists are healthcare practitioners who, after receiving their education, complete a credentialing process and become a certified respiratory therapists (CRT) or registered respiratory therapists (RRTs).
After satisfactorily completing the required examinations and being added to a registry, the practitioner is then eligible to apply for a license to practice in the region governed by their respective licensing body.
In the United States, specialist respiratory therapists are clinicians who hold National Board for Respiratory Care specialty credentials, which may include neonatal/pediatric specialist (CRT-NPS or RRT-NPS), adult critical care specialist (RRT-ACCS), sleep disorder specialist (CRT-SDS or RRT-SDS), and pulmonary function technologist (CPFT or RPFT). The NBRC's RRT-ACCS examination is the newest NBRC examination: it was introduced in 2012.
In the United States, one must obtain a degree in respiratory care and must then sit for the board exams to become a RRT. RRT is issued by the National Board for Respiratory Care after passing the Therapist Multiple-Choice Examination NBRC-TMC and Clinical Simulation Examination NBRC-CSE examinations. Eligibility for the NBRC-CSE examination is based on scoring high enough on the NBRC-TMC, and holding at least an Associate of Science in Respiratory Care. Professional credentials denoted as a Certified Asthma Educator (AE-C) may also be earned by passing the National Asthma Educator Certification Board (NAECB) exam.
In some parts of Canada, one may practice as a provisional respiratory therapist after graduating, until writing and passing the CBRC exam. The RRT certification is granted by examination from the Canadian Society of Respiratory Therapists.


==== Scope of practice ====
The registered respiratory therapist is typically governed by their medical director for clinical services and their licensing body for laboratory, rehabilitation and home-health services. Trained in cardiology and pulmonology medicine. The registered respiratory therapist is prepared didactically and clinically to perform advanced procedures and emergency management. Actual scope of practice varies by region and institution.


== International respiratory care ==
Except for the United States and Canada, very few countries have a dedicated professional role for respiratory health. In these countries, respiratory care is provided by physiotherapists, nurses and physicians that have chosen to specialize in this field. In many countries this recognition is in a transition stage; as an example, in 2011, a journal from China claimed that hospitals in Beijing, China began a recruitment drive to acquire respiratory therapists for their intensive care units where previously nurses were the only clinician.


=== Canada ===
Upon graduation from an accredited school of respiratory therapy, the graduate is 

--- SEMANTIC NEIGHBORS (5) ---

  Title: National Board for Respiratory Care (similarity: 0.4561)
  URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Board_for_Respiratory_Care
  QID: Q6971048
  Extract: The National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC Inc. is a non-profit organization formed in 1960 with the purpose of awarding and maintaining credentialing for Respiratory Therapists in the United States. The NBRC is the only organization in the United States which develops certification examinations 

  Title: Intensive care medicine (similarity: 0.1778)
  URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intensive_care_medicine
  QID: Q679690
  Extract: Intensive care medicine, usually called critical care medicine, is a medical specialty that deals with seriously or critically ill patients who have, are at risk of, or are recovering from conditions that may be life-threatening. It includes providing life support, invasive monitoring techniques, re

  Title: Physical therapy (similarity: 0.5263)
  URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Physical_therapy
  QID: Q186005
  Extract: Physical therapy (PT), also known as physiotherapy, is a healthcare profession, as well as the care provided by physical therapists. It focuses on promoting, maintaining, or restoring health through patient education, physical interventions, disease prevention, and health promotion. The term physica

  Title: Pursed-lip breathing (similarity: 0.2857)
  URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pursed-lip_breathing
  QID: Q1827457
  Extract: Pursed-lip breathing (PLB) is a breathing technique that consists of exhaling through tightly pressed (pursed) lips and inhaling through the nose with the mouth closed.

  Title: Hospital emergency codes (similarity: 0.3478)
  URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hospital_emergency_codes
  QID: Q4820700
  Extract: Hospital emergency codes are coded messages often announced over a public address system of a hospital to alert staff to various classes of on-site emergencies. The use of codes is intended to convey essential information quickly and with minimal misunderstanding to staff while preventing stress and
Claude Inference — claude-sonnet-4-20250514 · confidence:high · $0.0493 inferred_at: 2026-06-03T18:49:36 UTC · Boise Standard inference pipeline v1.0
model_pass1          : claude-sonnet-4-20250514
model_pass2          : claude-haiku-4-5-20251001
inference_confidence : high
confidence_notes     : Strong confidence based on comprehensive O*NET data including detailed work activities, skills, knowledge areas, and clear job zone classification, supported by exact Wikipedia match and robust BLS wage data for 139,790 employed professionals.
inferred_at          : 2026-06-03T18:49:36.245858+00:00
tokens_input         : 4,822
tokens_output        : 4,369
cost_usd             : $0.049300
wikipedia_used       : True
wikipedia_title      : Respiratory therapist
wikipedia_note       : Wikipedia confirms respiratory therapists as specialized healthcare practitioners trained in critical care and cardio-pulmonary medicine, requiring college degrees and national board certification. The semantic neighbors include related concepts like the National Board for Respiratory Care, intensive care medicine, and physical therapy, supporting the professional healthcare context.

--- PROSE FIELDS ---

ROLE SUMMARY:
Respiratory therapists are specialized healthcare practitioners who assess, treat, and care for patients with breathing disorders, maintaining primary responsibility for all respiratory care modalities including supervision of respiratory therapy technicians. They operate mechanical ventilators, therapeutic gas administration apparatus, and other life-support equipment while monitoring patients' physiological responses to therapy. These professionals work in critical care settings including hospitals, neonatal intensive care units, and emergency departments as essential members of healthcare teams.

DAY IN THE LIFE:
A respiratory therapist begins by reviewing patient charts and collaborating with physicians and nurses to develop treatment plans for patients with breathing disorders. Throughout the day, they set up and operate mechanical ventilators, monitor patients' vital signs and arterial blood gases, and adjust equipment settings to optimize therapeutic outcomes. They inspect, clean, and maintain respiratory therapy equipment to ensure safe and efficient operation, while documenting patient responses and therapy information in medical records. Emergency situations require them to provide artificial respiration, assist with cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or make urgent equipment repairs. They regularly explain treatment procedures to patients to gain cooperation and address concerns, while relaying blood analysis results and other critical information to physicians.

WHO THRIVES:
Individuals who excel as respiratory therapists possess strong attention to detail and dependability, as patient safety depends on precise equipment operation and careful monitoring. They demonstrate exceptional critical thinking abilities and problem sensitivity to quickly assess patient conditions and make appropriate therapeutic adjustments. Successful respiratory therapists have excellent communication skills for patient education and healthcare team collaboration, combined with the emotional resilience to work in high-stress critical care environments. Those with a service orientation and genuine concern for patient welfare find fulfillment in this role, as do detail-oriented individuals who appreciate working with complex medical technology.

CAREER ENTRY:
Entry into respiratory therapy typically requires completion of an associate degree program, with 82.8% of practitioners holding this credential according to education distribution data. Programs include coursework in anatomy, physiology, chemistry, and specialized respiratory care techniques, followed by clinical training in healthcare settings. Graduates must pass the National Board for Respiratory Care examination to become certified respiratory therapists (CRT) or registered respiratory therapists (RRT). Some practitioners enter through post-secondary certificate programs (5.2%) or pursue bachelor's degrees (11.7%) for advanced practice opportunities.

CAREER TRAJECTORY:
Respiratory therapists can advance to supervisory roles overseeing respiratory therapy departments or specialize in areas like neonatal intensive care, cardiopulmonary rehabilitation, or sleep disorder diagnostics. Many pursue additional certifications in specialized areas such as neonatal/pediatric care or critical care, which can lead to higher wages and increased responsibility. Advanced practitioners may transition into education roles training new respiratory therapists, move into healthcare administration, or specialize in equipment sales and technical support for medical device companies.

MARKET INTELLIGENCE:
The respiratory therapy field employs 139,790 professionals with a median annual wage of $82,280 according to BLS OEWS May 2025 data, ranging from $63,660 to $118,050 for the 10th to 90th percentiles. Geographic wage variation is significant, with the District of Columbia offering the highest wages at $111,950 compared to Puerto Rico's $35,000, representing a 3.20x ratio. The vast majority of employment (129,490 positions) is concentrated in healthcare and social assistance settings, with additional opportunities in administrative support services and wholesale trade. The profession shows strong demand driven by aging populations, increased prevalence of respiratory conditions, and technological advances requiring specialized expertise.

AUTOMATION OUTLOOK:
Respiratory therapy faces moderate automation risk in equipment monitoring and data recording functions, but the core therapeutic and patient care aspects remain highly resistant to automation. The need for clinical decision-making, patient education, emergency response, and complex equipment troubleshooting requires human expertise and interpersonal skills that current technology cannot replicate. Emerging technology will likely enhance rather than replace respiratory therapists, with advanced monitoring systems and artificial intelligence supporting clinical decisions while practitioners focus on direct patient care and complex therapeutic interventions.

--- REASONED EDGES ---
  [skill_overlap] Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians (29-2031.00) — confidence:high
    reasoning: Both roles share high importance critical thinking (3.9), monitoring (3.9), and active listening (3.9) skills for patient care in critical healthcare environments.
    data: Critical Thinking imp:3.9
    data: Monitoring imp:3.9
    data: Active Listening imp:3.9
    data: Related occupation Primary-Short
  [task_similarity] Paramedics (29-2043.00) — confidence:high
    reasoning: Both roles provide emergency care including artificial respiration and cardiopulmonary resuscitation, with shared work activities in treating medical emergencies.
    data: Provide emergency care, artificial respiration, CPR
    data: Treat medical emergencies DWA
    data: Related occupation Primary-Short
  [riasec_cluster] Acute Care Nurses (29-1141.01) — confidence:high
    reasoning: Both professions share Social (S:4.88) and Investigative (I:4.73) RIASEC orientations focused on patient care and clinical problem-solving in acute healthcare settings.
    data: RIASEC S:4.88, I:4.73
    data: Assisting and Caring for Others imp:4.5, lvl:6.0
    data: Related occupation Primary-Short
  [knowledge_overlap] Physical Therapists (29-1123.00) — confidence:medium
    reasoning: Both roles require extensive knowledge in Medicine and Dentistry (imp:4.3) and Psychology (imp:3.4) for patient assessment and therapeutic intervention.
    data: Medicine and Dentistry imp:4.3, lvl:4.5
    data: Psychology imp:3.4, lvl:4.8
    data: Related occupation Primary-Long
  [wage_band] Critical Care Nurses (29-1141.03) — confidence:medium
    reasoning: Both professions operate in similar wage ranges as specialized healthcare practitioners requiring job zone 3 preparation with median wages around $82,280.
    data: Median annual wage $82,280
    data: Job Zone 3
    data: Healthcare vertical
    data: Related occupation Primary-Short

--- NORMALIZER SIGNALS ---
  match_keywords   : ['respiratory therapist', 'respiratory care practitioner', 'respiratory care', 'pulmonary function', 'mechanical ventilator', 'arterial blood gases', 'cardiopulmonary', 'breathing disorders']
  exclude_keywords : ['physical therapy', 'occupational therapy', 'nursing', 'radiology', 'laboratory']
  title_patterns   : ['*respiratory therapist*', '*respiratory care*', '*RRT*', '*CRT*', '*inhalation therapist*']
  common_variations: ['Respiratory Therapist', 'Registered Respiratory Therapist', 'Certified Respiratory Therapist', 'Respiratory Care Practitioner', 'RRT', 'CRT', 'RCP', 'Staff Respiratory Therapist']
Semantic Manifold — 40 terms · 5 provenance layers employment_word_extractor.py · sources: onet_tasks | onet_dimensions | dwas | wikipedia | inference · Constitutional Law III
total_terms    : 40
top_words      : ['respiratory', 'care', 'therapists', 'therapy', 'equipment', 'tendency', 'others', 'therapist', 'patient', 'patients', 'medical', 'united', 'states', 'healthcare', 'management', 'sleep', 'board', 'pulmonary', 'specialist', 'clinical']
source_layers  : onet_tasks | onet_dimensions | dwas | wikipedia | inference

TERM                    COUNT     FREQ  DOMINANT SOURCE      SOURCE BREAKDOWN
──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
respiratory               240  0.04310  wikipedia            wikipedia:89%  inference:9%  onet_tasks:2%
care                      123  0.02209  wikipedia            wikipedia:81%  inference:12%  onet_tasks:3%
therapists                 89  0.01598  wikipedia            wikipedia:90%  inference:10%
therapy                    48  0.00862  wikipedia            wikipedia:67%  inference:19%  onet_tasks:12%
equipment                  46  0.00826  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:50%  inference:17%  dwas:15%
tendency                   42  0.00754  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
others                     38  0.00682  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
therapist                  38  0.00682  wikipedia            wikipedia:97%  inference:3%
patient                    35  0.00628  wikipedia            wikipedia:40%  inference:26%  dwas:23%
patients                   34  0.00611  wikipedia            wikipedia:47%  onet_tasks:24%  inference:15%
medical                    33  0.00593  dwas                 dwas:52%  wikipedia:33%  inference:9%
united                     30  0.00539  wikipedia            wikipedia:100%
states                     29  0.00521  wikipedia            wikipedia:100%
healthcare                 26  0.00467  wikipedia            wikipedia:50%  inference:31%  dwas:12%
management                 23  0.00413  wikipedia            wikipedia:65%  onet_dimensions:30%  onet_tasks:4%
sleep                      23  0.00413  wikipedia            wikipedia:96%  inference:4%
board                      22  0.00395  wikipedia            wikipedia:86%  inference:14%
pulmonary                  21  0.00377  wikipedia            wikipedia:86%  onet_tasks:10%  inference:5%
specialist                 21  0.00377  wikipedia            wikipedia:100%
clinical                   21  0.00377  wikipedia            wikipedia:86%  inference:14%
practice                   21  0.00377  wikipedia            wikipedia:95%  inference:5%
critical                   20  0.00359  wikipedia            wikipedia:65%  inference:30%  onet_dimensions:5%
asthma                     20  0.00359  wikipedia            wikipedia:100%
procedures                 19  0.00341  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:42%  dwas:21%  onet_tasks:16%
science                    19  0.00341  wikipedia            wikipedia:89%  onet_dimensions:11%
treatment                  18  0.00323  wikipedia            wikipedia:44%  onet_tasks:17%  onet_dimensions:17%
techniques                 18  0.00323  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:56%  dwas:22%  onet_tasks:11%
health                     18  0.00323  wikipedia            wikipedia:94%  onet_dimensions:6%
body                       18  0.00323  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:56%  wikipedia:44%
nbrc                       18  0.00323  wikipedia            wikipedia:100%
registered                 18  0.00323  wikipedia            wikipedia:94%  inference:6%
physical                   17  0.00305  wikipedia            wikipedia:59%  onet_dimensions:35%  inference:6%
principles                 16  0.00287  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
services                   16  0.00287  wikipedia            wikipedia:56%  onet_dimensions:38%  inference:6%
physicians                 15  0.00269  wikipedia            wikipedia:67%  onet_tasks:20%  inference:13%
working                    15  0.00269  wikipedia            wikipedia:67%  onet_dimensions:27%  inference:7%
rrt                        15  0.00269  wikipedia            wikipedia:93%  inference:7%
cardiac                    14  0.00251  wikipedia            wikipedia:79%  onet_tasks:21%
monitoring                 14  0.00251  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:57%  inference:29%  wikipedia:14%
activities                 14  0.00251  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:64%  dwas:21%  wikipedia:14%
◈ Boise Standard Employment Graph · 29-1126.00 · built 2026-06-02 · Sources declared above are authoritative originals. This page synthesizes but does not replace them. Every claim traceable. Full provenance. Constitutional Law I.
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