Respiratory Therapist in Florida

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

Median annual salary

$79,710

trending_down -0.9% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Florida.

engineering

8,840

Jobs (FL)

monitoring Surging

+12.1%

10-yr job growth

payments

$295

Licensing fees

schedule

2-4 years

Time to complete

route How to become a respiratory therapist in Florida

To become a licensed Respiratory Therapist in Florida, applicants must hold a state license from the Florida Board of Respiratory Care. Key steps include graduating from a CoARC-accredited Associate degree program, passing the NBRC CRT or RRT exam, and submitting an application with a fee of $105.00. A background check with electronic fingerprinting is also required, and applicants must be at least 18 years old by the first day of clinical. Florida offers licensure by endorsement for those already credentialed by the NBRC or licensed in another state with equivalent or more stringent requirements.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $62,940

25th percentile $68,570

50th (median) $79,710

75th percentile $84,740

90th (experienced) $98,890

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

checklist Florida requirements

Licensing body	Florida Board of Respiratory Care
State license	Required
Education	Associate degree from a CoARC-accredited program
Exam	NBRC CRT or RRT exam ($190)
Application fee	$105
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Continuing education	24.0 hours per cycle
Notes	Applicants must be at least 18 years old by the first day of clinical. A background check with electronic fingerprinting is required. CE requirements include 2 hours in prevention of medical errors, 2 hours on Florida Respiratory laws and rules, and a 3-hour HIV/AIDS course (first renewal only).

Source: Florida Board of Respiratory Care

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_circleFlorida 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 Florida? expand_more

Florida requires respiratory therapists to complete the required education (Associate degree from a CoARC-accredited program), pass the NBRC CRT or RRT exam, and submit your application ($105 fee).

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

A state license is required in Florida. Florida Board of Respiratory Care handles respiratory therapist licensing — the NBRC CRT or RRT exam is part of the process.

How much does a respiratory therapist make in Florida? expand_more

respiratory therapists in Florida earn a median of $79,710 annually. That's roughly in line with the $80,450 national median. The range spans from $62,940 at the entry level to $98,890 for top earners.

How expensive is respiratory therapist licensing in Florida? expand_more

Costs include exam fee ($190) and application fee ($105). The estimated total investment is varies, including education and training.

How long does it take to become a respiratory therapist in Florida? expand_more

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

What are the continuing education requirements for respiratory therapists in Florida? expand_more

To keep your license active, Florida mandates 24.0 CE hours every 2.0 years.