Respiratory Therapist in Georgia

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

Median annual salary

$81,890

trending_up +1.8% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Georgia.

engineering

5,030

Jobs (GA)

monitoring Surging

+12.1%

10-yr job growth

payments

$510

Licensing fees

schedule

4-6 weeks for application processing

Time to complete

route How to become a respiratory therapist in Georgia

To become a licensed Respiratory Therapist in Georgia, applicants must obtain a state license from the Georgia Composite Medical Board. This requires graduating from a CoARC-accredited respiratory therapy program and passing the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) exam. The application process typically takes four to six weeks, and a temporary permit may be available for those licensed in other states or recent graduates awaiting full licensure.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $63,510

25th percentile $70,670

50th (median) $81,890

75th percentile $97,540

90th (experienced) $108,380

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

checklist Georgia requirements

Licensing body	Georgia Composite Medical Board
State license	Required
Education	Associate degree from a CoARC-accredited program
Exam	NBRC RRT exam (or CRT prior to March 15, 2020) ($360)
Application fee	$150
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Continuing education	30.0 hours per cycle
Notes	Applicants must undergo a background check. It is strongly recommended not to accept employment until a Georgia license number has been issued. As of March 15, 2020, the RRT credential is required for licensure in Georgia, with exceptions for those holding a CRT prior to March 15, 2020, or a CRTT prior to July 1, 1999.

Source: Georgia Composite Medical Board

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_circleGeorgia 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

What's required to work as a respiratory therapist in Georgia? expand_more

In Georgia, becoming a respiratory therapist requires you to complete the required education (Associate degree from a CoARC-accredited program), pass the NBRC RRT exam (or CRT prior to March 15, 2020), and submit your application ($150 fee).

Is a respiratory therapist license required in Georgia? expand_more

Georgia mandates state licensure for respiratory therapists. Georgia Composite Medical Board oversees the process, which includes passing the NBRC RRT exam (or CRT prior to March 15, 2020).

How much does a respiratory therapist make in Georgia? expand_more

In Georgia, the median pay for respiratory therapists comes to $81,890/year. That's roughly in line with the $80,450 national median. New respiratory therapists start around $63,510; seasoned professionals can reach $108,380.

How expensive is respiratory therapist licensing in Georgia? expand_more

Between exam fee ($360) and application fee ($150), expect to invest around varies in total to get started.

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

Most candidates in Georgia complete the process in 4-6 weeks for application processing, from enrollment in a training program through licensure.

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

To keep your license active, Georgia mandates 30.0 CE hours every 2.0 years.