Respiratory Therapist in Montana

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

Median annual salary

$80,950

trending_up +0.6% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Montana.

engineering

390

Jobs (MT)

monitoring Surging

+12.1%

10-yr job growth

payments

$100

Licensing fees

schedule

2-4 years

Time to complete

route How to become a respiratory therapist in Montana

To become a licensed Respiratory Therapist in Montana, applicants must graduate from a CoARC-accredited associate degree program and pass the NBRC CRT or RRT exam (TMC & CSE Exams). The Montana Board of Respiratory Care Practitioners requires an application fee of $100.00. Licenses must be renewed annually, with 12 continuing education hours required per cycle. A temporary permit is available for eligible applicants, and a background check is required for all applicants.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $61,380

25th percentile $66,350

50th (median) $80,950

75th percentile $84,980

90th (experienced) $94,130

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

checklist Montana requirements

Licensing body	Montana Board of Respiratory Care Practitioners
State license	Required
Education	Associate degree from a CoARC-accredited program
Exam	NBRC CRT or RRT exam (TMC & CSE Exams)
Application fee	$100
Renewal	Every 1.0 year
Continuing education	12.0 hours per cycle
Notes	Minimum age 18. Requires a background investigation. Montana offers a temporary permit for applicants who have completed an approved program and applied to take the exam, valid until the applicant fails or passes the exam and is granted a license. Previously licensed Respiratory Therapists applying to Montana who have been away from practice for more than three years must provide evidence of competency by retesting or passing a new NBRC credentialing exam. The CE requirement does not apply until a licensee's first full year of licensure.

Source: Montana 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_circleMontana 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 Montana? expand_more

To become a respiratory therapist in Montana, you need to complete the required education (Associate degree from a CoARC-accredited program), pass the NBRC CRT or RRT exam (TMC & CSE Exams), and submit your application ($100 fee).

Is a respiratory therapist license required in Montana? expand_more

You cannot practice as a respiratory therapist in Montana without a state license from Montana Board of Respiratory Care Practitioners. The required exam is the NBRC CRT or RRT exam (TMC & CSE Exams).

What is the average respiratory therapist salary in Montana? expand_more

respiratory therapists in Montana earn a median of $80,950 annually. That's roughly in line with the $80,450 national median. Wages range from $61,380 (10th percentile) up to $94,130 (90th percentile).

How quickly can I become a respiratory therapist in Montana? expand_more

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

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

Yes — respiratory therapists in Montana must complete 12.0 CE hours every 1.0 year to stay licensed.