Respiratory Therapist in Maine

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

Median annual salary
$79,330
trending_down -1.4% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Maine.

engineering
450

Jobs (ME)

monitoring Surging
+12.1%

10-yr job growth

payments
$65

Licensing fees

schedule
2 years (Associate degree)

Time to complete

route How to become a respiratory therapist in Maine

To become a licensed Respiratory Therapist in Maine, applicants must obtain a license from the Maine Board of Respiratory Care Practitioners. Key steps include completing an Associate degree from a CoARC-accredited program and passing the NBRC advanced practitioner examination (RRT), or holding a current NBRC RRT credential. A criminal history records check is also required. Maine does not currently have a compact license agreement for Respiratory Therapists, and continuing education is not required for license renewal.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $62,480
25th percentile $67,220
50th (median) $79,330
75th percentile $83,410
90th (experienced) $91,710

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

checklist Maine requirements

Licensing bodyMaine Board of Respiratory Care Practitioners
State license Required
EducationAssociate degree from a CoARC-accredited program
ExamNBRC CRT or RRT exam
Application fee$65
RenewalEvery 1.0 year
NotesA criminal history records check is required ($21 fee). Applicants must pass the NBRC advanced practitioner examination (RRT) or hold a current NBRC RRT credential. Examination scores are recognized for no more than one year after issuance. Temporary licenses are available for individuals who have completed an accredited program but have not yet passed the NBRC exam, allowing them to practice under direct supervision.

Source: Maine Board of Respiratory Care Practitioners

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_circleMaine license required — clearer credential signal to employers
  • check_circleStrong 10-year job growth (+12.1%)
  • check_circleLow AI disruption risk
psychology
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Frequently asked questions

What's required to work as a respiratory therapist in Maine? expand_more
To become a respiratory therapist in Maine, you need to complete the required education (Associate degree from a CoARC-accredited program), pass the NBRC CRT or RRT exam, and submit your application ($65 fee).
Is a respiratory therapist license required in Maine? expand_more
Maine mandates state licensure for respiratory therapists. Maine Board of Respiratory Care Practitioners oversees the process, which includes passing the NBRC CRT or RRT exam.
What do respiratory therapists earn in Maine? expand_more
Maine respiratory therapists bring home a median salary of $79,330. That's roughly in line with the $80,450 national median. New respiratory therapists start around $62,480; seasoned professionals can reach $91,710.
What's the timeline to become a respiratory therapist in Maine? expand_more
The typical timeline in Maine is 2 years (Associate degree). This includes completing education, gaining any required experience, and passing the licensing exam.

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