Respiratory Therapist in New York

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

Median annual salary
$103,820
trending_up +29.0% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, New York.

engineering
6,780

Jobs (NY)

monitoring Surging
+12.1%

10-yr job growth

payments
$294

Licensing fees

schedule
2-4 years

Time to complete

route How to become a respiratory therapist in New York

To become a licensed Respiratory Therapist in New York, individuals must obtain an Associate or Bachelor's degree from a CoARC-accredited program and pass both the NBRC CRT and RRT examinations. The licensing body is the New York State Education Department, Office of the Professions - State Board for Respiratory Therapy. Applicants must also complete specific coursework in child abuse identification and infection control. New York offers reciprocity for individuals certified in other U.S. states, the District of Columbia, the military, or through the NREMT for certain provider levels.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $78,100
25th percentile $87,440
50th (median) $103,820
75th percentile $121,310
90th (experienced) $127,530

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

checklist New York requirements

Licensing bodyNYS Office of the Professions - State Board for Respiratory Therapy
State license Required
EducationAssociate degree from a CoARC-accredited program
ExamNBRC CRT and RRT exams
Application fee$294
RenewalEvery 3.0 years
Continuing education30.0 hours per cycle
NotesApplicants must complete coursework in child abuse identification and infection control. A one-time 2-hour course in the Identification and Reporting of Child Abuse and Maltreatment is required for initial licensure. An infection control course is required every four years.

Source: NYS Office of the Professions - State Board for Respiratory Therapy

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 York license required — clearer credential signal to employers
  • check_circleStrong 10-year job growth (+12.1%)
  • check_circleLow AI disruption risk
psychology
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Frequently asked questions

How do I become a respiratory therapist in New York? expand_more
The path to respiratory therapist licensure in New York: complete the required education (Associate degree from a CoARC-accredited program), pass the NBRC CRT and RRT exams, and submit your application ($294 fee).
Does New York require respiratory therapist licensure? expand_more
A state license is required in New York. NYS Office of the Professions - State Board for Respiratory Therapy handles respiratory therapist licensing — the NBRC CRT and RRT exams is part of the process.
What do respiratory therapists earn in New York? expand_more
New York respiratory therapists bring home a median salary of $103,820. That's 29% above the national median of $80,450. Wages range from $78,100 (10th percentile) up to $127,530 (90th percentile).
How long does it take to become a respiratory therapist in New York? expand_more
The typical timeline in New York is 2-4 years. This includes completing education, gaining any required experience, and passing the licensing exam.
What's required to renew a respiratory therapist license in New York? expand_more
Yes — respiratory therapists in New York must complete 30.0 CE hours every 3.0 years to stay licensed.

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