Respiratory Therapist in Iowa

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

Median annual salary

$68,790

trending_down -14.5% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Iowa.

engineering

1,050

Jobs (IA)

monitoring Surging

+12.1%

10-yr job growth

payments

$275

Licensing fees

schedule

2-4 years

Time to complete

route How to become a respiratory therapist in Iowa

To become a licensed Respiratory Therapist in Iowa, individuals must graduate from a CoARC-accredited respiratory care education program and pass the NBRC CRT or RRT examination. The licensing body is the Iowa Board of Respiratory Care and Polysomnography, which requires an application fee of $75.00, including the cost of a background check. Licenses are renewed every two years, with 24 hours of continuing education required, including mandatory reporter training if applicable. Reciprocity is available for those licensed in other states, requiring official verification of their previous licensure.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $56,260

25th percentile $63,070

50th (median) $68,790

75th percentile $78,720

90th (experienced) $83,480

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

checklist Iowa requirements

Licensing body	Iowa Board of Respiratory Care and Polysomnography
State license	Required
Education	Associate degree from a CoARC-accredited program
Exam	NBRC CRT or RRT exam ($200)
Application fee	$75
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Continuing education	24.0 hours per cycle
Notes	Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and of good moral character. A background check, including fingerprinting, is required. CE must include mandatory reporter training for child and/or dependent adult abuse if the licensee regularly examines, attends, counsels, or treats children or dependent adults. First-time renewals are exempt from CE requirements. A maximum of 12 hours can be non-traditional/self-study, and a maximum of 6 hours can be for supplemental topics.

Source: Iowa Board of Respiratory Care and Polysomnography

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_circleIowa 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 I become a respiratory therapist in Iowa? expand_more

The path to respiratory therapist licensure in Iowa: complete the required education (Associate degree from a CoARC-accredited program), pass the NBRC CRT or RRT exam, and submit your application ($75 fee).

Does Iowa require respiratory therapist licensure? expand_more

You cannot practice as a respiratory therapist in Iowa without a state license from Iowa Board of Respiratory Care and Polysomnography. The required exam is the NBRC CRT or RRT exam.

How much do respiratory therapists make in Iowa? expand_more

In Iowa, the median pay for respiratory therapists comes to $68,790/year. This trails the $80,450 national median by 14%. Wages range from $56,260 (10th percentile) up to $83,480 (90th percentile).

How expensive is respiratory therapist licensing in Iowa? expand_more

Costs include exam fee ($200) and application fee ($75). The estimated total investment is varies, including education and training.

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

Most candidates in Iowa complete the process in 2-4 years, from enrollment in a training program through licensure.

Does Iowa require continuing education for respiratory therapists? expand_more

Yes — respiratory therapists in Iowa must complete 24.0 CE hours every 2.0 years to stay licensed.