CertOutlook

Respiratory Therapist in Michigan

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

Median annual salary
$77,460
trending_down -3.7% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Michigan.

engineering
4,150

Jobs (MI)

monitoring Surging
+12.1%

10-yr job growth

payments
$470

Licensing fees

schedule
2-4 years

Time to complete

route How to become a respiratory therapist in Michigan

To become a licensed Respiratory Therapist in Michigan, individuals must obtain an associate's degree from a CoARC-accredited program and pass the NBRC CRT or RRT exam. The licensing body is the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) - Board of Respiratory Care. A criminal background check is required, and continuing education includes specific training in implicit bias and human trafficking. While Michigan does not have reciprocity agreements, licensure by endorsement is available for those licensed in other states or Canadian provinces.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $63,750
25th percentile $66,540
50th (median) $77,460
75th percentile $81,890
90th (experienced) $87,430

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

checklist Michigan requirements

Licensing bodyMichigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) - Board of Respiratory Care
State license Required
EducationAssociate degree from a CoARC-accredited program
ExamNBRC CRT or RRT exam ($200)
Application fee$270
RenewalEvery 3.0 years
Continuing education3.0 hours per cycle
NotesA criminal background check is required. CE must include 1 hour of implicit bias training for each year of the license cycle (3 hours total for a 3-year cycle) and a one-time training in identifying victims of human trafficking. English language proficiency is also required. Michigan does not have reciprocity agreements with other states, but licensure by endorsement is possible for those licensed in other states or Canadian provinces.

Source: Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) - 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_circleMichigan 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 Michigan? expand_more
The path to respiratory therapist licensure in Michigan: complete the required education (Associate degree from a CoARC-accredited program), pass the NBRC CRT or RRT exam, and submit your application ($270 fee).
Do I need a license to work as a respiratory therapist in Michigan? expand_more
A state license is required in Michigan. Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) - Board of Respiratory Care handles respiratory therapist licensing — the NBRC CRT or RRT exam is part of the process.
What is the average respiratory therapist salary in Michigan? expand_more
In Michigan, the median pay for respiratory therapists comes to $77,460/year. This is close to the national median of $80,450. New respiratory therapists start around $63,750; seasoned professionals can reach $87,430.
What's the total cost to get respiratory therapist certified in Michigan? expand_more
The full cost to enter the field runs about varies, factoring in exam fee ($200) and application fee ($270) and required training.
How quickly can I become a respiratory therapist in Michigan? expand_more
Expect to spend 2-4 years from start to finish in Michigan — covering coursework, supervised experience, and examination.
How many CE hours do respiratory therapists need in Michigan? expand_more
Yes — respiratory therapists in Michigan must complete 3.0 CE hours every 3.0 years to stay licensed.

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