Respiratory Therapist in Indiana

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

Median annual salary

$77,820

trending_down -3.3% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Indiana.

engineering

3,330

Jobs (IN)

monitoring Surging

+12.1%

10-yr job growth

payments

$25

Licensing fees

schedule

2-4 years (education) + application processing time

Time to complete

route How to become a respiratory therapist in Indiana

To become a licensed Respiratory Therapist in Indiana, individuals must obtain a state license from the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency - Respiratory Care Committee. Key steps include graduating from a CoARC-accredited respiratory care program, passing the NBRC CRT or RRT exam, and submitting an application with a $25 fee. A national criminal background check is also required after the application is submitted. Indiana offers endorsement for applicants licensed in other states, provided they meet the state's qualifications.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $62,250

25th percentile $65,670

50th (median) $77,820

75th percentile $82,610

90th (experienced) $89,320

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

checklist Indiana requirements

Licensing body	Indiana Professional Licensing Agency - Respiratory Care Committee
State license	Required
Education	Associate degree from a CoARC-accredited program
Exam	NBRC CRT or RRT exam
Application fee	$25
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Continuing education	15.0 hours per cycle
Notes	A national criminal history background check is required after submitting the application. There is no specified minimum age. Applicants who have not completed a program of respiratory therapy may be considered for licensure if they have practiced under the supervision of a physician for at least ten of the previous fifteen years preceding the application date. If five years have elapsed since passing the NBRC exam, re-examination may be required.

Source: Indiana Professional Licensing Agency - Respiratory Care Committee

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_circleIndiana 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.

arrow_forward

Frequently asked questions

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

Indiana 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 ($25 fee).

Is a respiratory therapist license required in Indiana? expand_more

Indiana mandates state licensure for respiratory therapists. Indiana Professional Licensing Agency - Respiratory Care Committee oversees the process, which includes passing the NBRC CRT or RRT exam.

How much does a respiratory therapist make in Indiana? expand_more

respiratory therapists in Indiana earn a median of $77,820 annually. That's roughly in line with the $80,450 national median. New respiratory therapists start around $62,250; seasoned professionals can reach $89,320.

How many months or years does respiratory therapist certification take in Indiana? expand_more

In Indiana, becoming a respiratory therapist generally takes 2-4 years (education) + application processing time, accounting for education requirements, hands-on training, and the exam process.

What's required to renew a respiratory therapist license in Indiana? expand_more

Yes — respiratory therapists in Indiana must complete 15.0 CE hours every 2.0 years to stay licensed.