Respiratory Therapist in Texas
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for TX. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.
BLS OEWS 2024, Texas.
Jobs (TX)
10-yr job growth
Licensing fees
Time to complete
route How to become a respiratory therapist in Texas
To become a licensed Respiratory Therapist in Texas, individuals must graduate from a CoARC-accredited associate degree program and pass either the NBRC CRT or RRT exam. The licensing body is the Texas Medical Board. Applicants also need to pass the Texas Respiratory Care Jurisprudence Examination and undergo a fingerprint background check. Texas participates in the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact, offering a pathway for licensed therapists from other compact states to practice, and also provides for licensure by endorsement.
bar_chart Salary percentiles
Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Texas. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.
checklist Texas requirements
| Licensing body | Texas Medical Board |
| State license | Required |
| Education | Associate degree from a CoARC-accredited program |
| Exam | NBRC CRT or RRT exam ($390) |
| Application fee | $125 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Continuing education | 24.0 hours per cycle |
| Reciprocity | Texas recognizes the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact and offers licensure by endorsement.Reciprocal states: Texas recognizes the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact, allowing licensed respiratory therapists from other compact member states to practice in Texas by obtaining a compact privilege. Additionally, licensure by endorsement is available for individuals licensed outside of a compact state. |
| Notes | Applicants must pass the Texas Respiratory Care Jurisprudence Examination (no cost, unlimited attempts). A fingerprint background check is required. Applicants must demonstrate current clinical practice within the last three years. Military service members, spouses, and veterans may have application fees waived. |
Source: Texas Medical Board
Already licensed elsewhere and moving to Texas? See whether Texas recognizes an out-of-state credential — with the tier and pathway for all 50 states — in our Respiratory Therapist license reciprocity guide.
work_outline Job outlook
AI & tech impact
This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.
balance Is it worth it?
- check_circleTexas license required — clearer credential signal to employers
- check_circleStrong 10-year job growth (+12.1%)
- check_circleLow AI disruption risk
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