Respiratory Therapist in Louisiana

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

Median annual salary

$70,140

trending_down -12.8% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Louisiana.

engineering

2,280

Jobs (LA)

monitoring Surging

+12.1%

10-yr job growth

payments

$315

Licensing fees

schedule

2-4 years

Time to complete

route How to become a respiratory therapist in Louisiana

To become a Licensed Respiratory Therapist (LRT) in Louisiana, individuals must graduate from a CoARC-accredited respiratory care education program and hold current credentials as a Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) or Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) from the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC). The application process involves submitting an application and a fee of $125 to the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners (LSBME), along with undergoing a criminal background check. Licenses must be renewed annually, requiring 10 hours of continuing education. Louisiana also offers reciprocity for out-of-state licensees who meet equivalent requirements.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $59,760

25th percentile $63,860

50th (median) $70,140

75th percentile $78,590

90th (experienced) $84,540

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

checklist Louisiana requirements

Licensing body	Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners
State license	Required
Education	Associate degree from a CoARC-accredited program
Exam	NBRC CRT or RRT exam ($190)
Application fee	$125
Renewal	Every 1.0 year
Continuing education	10.0 hours per cycle
Notes	Applicants must be at least 18 years old and of good moral character. A criminal background check is required. Temporary licenses are available for those awaiting their NBRC exam results.

Source: Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners

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_circleLouisiana 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 Louisiana? expand_more

The path to respiratory therapist licensure in Louisiana: complete the required education (Associate degree from a CoARC-accredited program), pass the NBRC CRT or RRT exam, and submit your application ($125 fee).

Is a respiratory therapist license required in Louisiana? expand_more

Yes, Louisiana requires a state license to practice as a respiratory therapist. The licensing body is Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners. You must pass the NBRC CRT or RRT exam.

What do respiratory therapists earn in Louisiana? expand_more

In Louisiana, the median pay for respiratory therapists comes to $70,140/year. — 13% under the $80,450 national average. New respiratory therapists start around $59,760; seasoned professionals can reach $84,540.

What are the fees to become a respiratory therapist in Louisiana? expand_more

Plan on spending varies total — that covers exam fee ($190) and application fee ($125) plus your education and training.

What's the timeline to become a respiratory therapist in Louisiana? expand_more

Expect to spend 2-4 years from start to finish in Louisiana — covering coursework, supervised experience, and examination.

How many CE hours do respiratory therapists need in Louisiana? expand_more

To keep your license active, Louisiana mandates 10.0 CE hours every 1.0 year.