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.
According to the US Department of Labor, there are 135,100 people employed as respiratory therapists in the United States. The median annual salary is $62,800. Entry level employees earn approximately $45,940 per year and senior employees earn approximately $89,170 per year.
Estimates do not include other potential benefits such as health insurance, overtime pay, or retirement benefits that may be offered by employers.