Respiratory Therapist in Nebraska

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

Median annual salary

$78,880

trending_down -2.0% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Nebraska.

engineering

820

Jobs (NE)

monitoring Surging

+12.1%

10-yr job growth

payments

$318

Licensing fees

schedule

Varies (typically 2-4 years for education, plus application processing time)

Time to complete

route How to become a respiratory therapist in Nebraska

To become a licensed Respiratory Therapist in Nebraska, individuals must obtain a state license from the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. Key steps include graduating from a CoARC-accredited respiratory care educational program, passing the NBRC CRT or RRT exam, and submitting a complete application with a $118 fee. A criminal background check is required, and applicants must be at least 19 years old. Nebraska offers reciprocity for applicants with an active license in another state, though additional continuing education may be required if not actively practicing.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $61,660

25th percentile $65,970

50th (median) $78,880

75th percentile $80,390

90th (experienced) $85,870

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

checklist Nebraska requirements

Licensing body	Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services
State license	Required
Education	Associate degree from a CoARC-accredited program
Exam	NBRC CRT or RRT exam ($200)
Application fee	$118
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Continuing education	20.0 hours per cycle
Notes	A criminal background check is required. Applicants must be at least 19 years old and demonstrate U.S. Citizenship or lawful presence. If the NBRC examination was passed more than three years prior to application and the applicant is not actively practicing or licensed in another state, additional continuing education hours (60 hours) are required. Military spouses may be eligible for a temporary license.

Source: Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services

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_circleNebraska 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 you get certified as a respiratory therapist in Nebraska? expand_more

To become a respiratory therapist in Nebraska, 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 ($118 fee).

Is a respiratory therapist license required in Nebraska? expand_more

You cannot practice as a respiratory therapist in Nebraska without a state license from Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. The required exam is the NBRC CRT or RRT exam.

How much does a respiratory therapist make in Nebraska? expand_more

respiratory therapists in Nebraska earn a median of $78,880 annually. This is close to the national median of $80,450. Wages range from $61,660 (10th percentile) up to $85,870 (90th percentile).

How expensive is respiratory therapist licensing in Nebraska? expand_more

Costs include exam fee ($200) and application fee ($118). The estimated total investment is varies, including education and training.

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

Expect to spend Varies (typically 2-4 years for education, plus application processing time) from start to finish in Nebraska — covering coursework, supervised experience, and examination.

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

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