Respiratory Therapist in Massachusetts

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

Median annual salary

$96,940

trending_up +20.5% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Massachusetts.

engineering

2,140

Jobs (MA)

monitoring Surging

+12.1%

10-yr job growth

payments

$450

Licensing fees

schedule

2-4 years

Time to complete

route How to become a respiratory therapist in Massachusetts

To become a licensed Respiratory Therapist in Massachusetts, individuals must graduate from a CoARC-accredited respiratory therapy program and pass the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) CRT or RRT examination. The licensing body is the Massachusetts Board of Respiratory Care. The application fee is $260.00, and licenses must be renewed every two years, requiring 20 hours of continuing education per cycle. Massachusetts also offers licensure by reciprocity for those already licensed in other jurisdictions with substantially similar requirements and holding an NBRC credential.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $74,200

25th percentile $82,000

50th (median) $96,940

75th percentile $104,660

90th (experienced) $118,950

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

checklist Massachusetts requirements

Licensing body	Board of Respiratory Care
State license	Required
Education	Associate degree from a CoARC-accredited program
Exam	NBRC CRT or RRT exam ($190)
Application fee	$260
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Continuing education	20.0 hours per cycle
Notes	Applicants must be 18 years of age or older and of good moral character. A one-time training on Domestic and Sexual Violence is required for all health professionals in Massachusetts as a condition of licensure/renewal. New licensees are exempt from CE requirements for their first renewal. Up to 4 hours of CE credit can be applied from NBRC recredentialing examinations. BLS courses do not count for CE credit.

Source: Board of Respiratory Care

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_circleMassachusetts 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 are the steps to becoming a respiratory therapist in Massachusetts? expand_more

In Massachusetts, becoming a respiratory therapist requires you to complete the required education (Associate degree from a CoARC-accredited program), pass the NBRC CRT or RRT exam, and submit your application ($260 fee).

Is a respiratory therapist license required in Massachusetts? expand_more

Massachusetts mandates state licensure for respiratory therapists. Board of Respiratory Care oversees the process, which includes passing the NBRC CRT or RRT exam.

How much do respiratory therapists make in Massachusetts? expand_more

Massachusetts respiratory therapists bring home a median salary of $96,940. This exceeds the $80,450 national median by 20%. Entry-level (10th percentile) starts at $74,200, while experienced professionals (90th percentile) earn $118,950.

How expensive is respiratory therapist licensing in Massachusetts? expand_more

Costs include exam fee ($190) and application fee ($260). The estimated total investment is varies, including education and training.

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

The typical timeline in Massachusetts is 2-4 years. This includes completing education, gaining any required experience, and passing the licensing exam.

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

To keep your license active, Massachusetts mandates 20.0 CE hours every 2.0 years.