Respiratory Therapist in Mississippi

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

Median annual salary

$61,320

trending_down -23.8% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Mississippi.

engineering

1,690

Jobs (MS)

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 Mississippi

To become a licensed Respiratory Therapist in Mississippi, individuals must obtain an Associate degree from a CoARC-accredited program and pass the NBRC CRT exam. A fingerprint-based criminal history background check is also required. The licensing body is the Mississippi State Department of Health, and licenses must be renewed every two years with 20 hours of continuing education.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $49,920

25th percentile $53,100

50th (median) $61,320

75th percentile $70,500

90th (experienced) $90,240

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

checklist Mississippi requirements

Licensing body	Mississippi State Department of Health
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	20.0 hours per cycle
Notes	A fingerprint-based criminal history background check is required. Temporary permits are available for up to one year after graduation and are good for six months, provided the applicant is within 30 days of graduation and eligible for the certification exam.

Source: Mississippi State Department of Health

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_circleMississippi 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 Mississippi? expand_more

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

Is a respiratory therapist license required in Mississippi? expand_more

Mississippi mandates state licensure for respiratory therapists. Mississippi State Department of Health oversees the process, which includes passing the NBRC CRT or RRT exam.

What do respiratory therapists earn in Mississippi? expand_more

In Mississippi, the median pay for respiratory therapists comes to $61,320/year. That's 24% below the national median of $80,450. New respiratory therapists start around $49,920; seasoned professionals can reach $90,240.

How expensive is respiratory therapist licensing in Mississippi? expand_more

Plan on spending varies total — that covers exam fee ($200) and application fee ($75) plus your education and training.

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

In Mississippi, becoming a respiratory therapist generally takes 2-4 years, accounting for education requirements, hands-on training, and the exam process.

Does Mississippi require continuing education for respiratory therapists? expand_more

Mississippi requires 20.0 hours of continuing education every 2.0 years to maintain your respiratory therapist license.