Respiratory Therapist in Colorado

Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for CO. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.

Median annual salary

$80,690

trending_up +0.3% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Colorado.

engineering

2,070

Jobs (CO)

monitoring Surging

+12.1%

10-yr job growth

payments

$285

Licensing fees

schedule

2-4 years

Time to complete

route How to become a respiratory therapist in Colorado

To become a licensed Respiratory Therapist in Colorado, individuals must obtain a state license through the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA), Office of Respiratory Therapy Licensure. This typically involves completing an associate's or bachelor's degree from a CoARC-accredited program, passing the NBRC CRT or RRT exam, and submitting an application with an $85 fee. Colorado does not require continuing education for state license renewal, but licensees must maintain their NBRC credential, which has its own CE requirements. The state offers reciprocity for out-of-state licensees with substantially equivalent qualifications and NBRC credentials.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $63,770

25th percentile $73,000

50th (median) $80,690

75th percentile $94,430

90th (experienced) $102,210

Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Colorado. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.

checklist Colorado requirements

Licensing body	Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA), Office of Respiratory Therapy Licensure
State license	Required
Education	Associate degree from a CoARC-accredited program
Exam	NBRC CRT or RRT exam ($200)
Application fee	$85
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Notes	Colorado does not have a state-mandated CE requirement for renewal, but licensees must maintain their NBRC credential, which has its own CE requirements. Licenses expire on August 31st of even-numbered years. New applicants issued a license within 120 days of the upcoming renewal expiration date will be issued a license with the next expiration date.

Source: Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA), Office of Respiratory Therapy Licensure

work_outline Job outlook

10-year growth

+12.1%

Much faster than average

Annual openings

8,800

Nationwide per year

Total employment

139,600

Nationwide

neurology

AI & tech impact

verified Low exposure -0.19/1.00

This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.

hub

balance Is it worth it?

check_circleColorado license required — clearer credential signal to employers
check_circleStrong 10-year job growth (+12.1%)
check_circleLow AI disruption risk

psychology

Wondering if a respiratory therapist career is the right fit?

See what the day actually looks like, who the role suits, and who should skip it — grounded in real practitioner sources.

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Frequently asked questions

How do you get certified as a respiratory therapist in Colorado? expand_more

In Colorado, becoming a respiratory therapist requires you to complete the required education (Associate degree from a CoARC-accredited program), pass the NBRC CRT or RRT exam, and submit your application ($85 fee).

Do I need a license to work as a respiratory therapist in Colorado? expand_more

A state license is required in Colorado. Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA), Office of Respiratory Therapy Licensure handles respiratory therapist licensing — the NBRC CRT or RRT exam is part of the process.

What is the average respiratory therapist salary in Colorado? expand_more

respiratory therapists in Colorado earn a median of $80,690 annually. This is close to the national median of $80,450. The range spans from $63,770 at the entry level to $102,210 for top earners.

What's the total cost to get respiratory therapist certified in Colorado? expand_more

The full cost to enter the field runs about varies, factoring in exam fee ($200) and application fee ($85) and required training.

How quickly can I become a respiratory therapist in Colorado? expand_more

The typical timeline in Colorado is 2-4 years. This includes completing education, gaining any required experience, and passing the licensing exam.