Respiratory Therapist in New Jersey

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

Median annual salary

$98,020

trending_up +21.8% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, New Jersey.

engineering

3,200

Jobs (NJ)

monitoring Surging

+12.1%

10-yr job growth

payments

$475

Licensing fees

schedule

2-4 years

Time to complete

route How to become a respiratory therapist in New Jersey

To become a licensed Respiratory Therapist in New Jersey, individuals must graduate from a CoARC-accredited respiratory therapy education program and pass either the NBRC CRT or RRT examination. A criminal history background check is also required as part of the application process. Licenses are renewed every two years, and 30 hours of continuing education are required per cycle. New Jersey also offers reciprocity for out-of-state licensees, though specific state agreements are not detailed.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $77,360

25th percentile $85,680

50th (median) $98,020

75th percentile $102,540

90th (experienced) $117,750

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

checklist New Jersey requirements

Licensing body	New Jersey State Board of Respiratory Care
State license	Required
Education	Associate degree from a CoARC-accredited program
Exam	NBRC CRT or RRT exam (Therapist Multiple-Choice (TMC) Examination and Clinical Simulation Examination (CSE) for RRT) ($190)
Application fee	$285
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Continuing education	30.0 hours per cycle
Notes	A criminal history background check is required. New Jersey issues a temporary license for graduates awaiting examination results. As of November 20, 2023, New Jersey recognizes both the NBRC CRT and RRT exams for licensure. The NBRC is transitioning to a single examination in January 2027, which will have two cut scores to determine CRT or RRT credentials.

Source: New Jersey State 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_circleNew Jersey 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's required to work as a respiratory therapist in New Jersey? expand_more

New Jersey requires respiratory therapists to complete the required education (Associate degree from a CoARC-accredited program), pass the NBRC CRT or RRT exam (Therapist Multiple-Choice (TMC) Examination and Clinical Simulation Examination (CSE) for RRT), and submit your application ($285 fee).

Do I need a license to work as a respiratory therapist in New Jersey? expand_more

A state license is required in New Jersey. New Jersey State Board of Respiratory Care handles respiratory therapist licensing — the NBRC CRT or RRT exam (Therapist Multiple-Choice (TMC) Examination and Clinical Simulation Examination (CSE) for RRT) is part of the process.

How much does a respiratory therapist make in New Jersey? expand_more

In New Jersey, the median pay for respiratory therapists comes to $98,020/year. This exceeds the $80,450 national median by 22%. Entry-level (10th percentile) starts at $77,360, while experienced professionals (90th percentile) earn $117,750.

How expensive is respiratory therapist licensing in New Jersey? expand_more

Costs include exam fee ($190) and application fee ($285). The estimated total investment is varies, including education and training.

How many months or years does respiratory therapist certification take in New Jersey? expand_more

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

What are the continuing education requirements for respiratory therapists in New Jersey? expand_more

Yes — respiratory therapists in New Jersey must complete 30.0 CE hours every 2.0 years to stay licensed.