Respiratory Therapist in Utah

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

Median annual salary
$78,990
trending_down -1.8% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Utah.

engineering
1,020

Jobs (UT)

monitoring Surging
+12.1%

10-yr job growth

payments
$90

Licensing fees

schedule
2-4 years (education) + application processing time

Time to complete

route How to become a respiratory therapist in Utah

To become a licensed Respiratory Therapist in Utah, individuals must apply through the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL). Key steps include graduating from a CoARC-accredited respiratory care educational program, passing either the NBRC CRT or RRT examination, and submitting an application with a $90 fee. Additionally, applicants must pass the Respiratory Care Practitioner Law and Rule Examination and complete a fingerprint background check. While Utah does not require continuing education for state license renewal, maintaining NBRC credentials, often required by employers, does have CE requirements.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $65,270
25th percentile $68,390
50th (median) $78,990
75th percentile $86,690
90th (experienced) $96,820

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

checklist Utah requirements

Licensing bodyUtah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL)
State license Required
EducationAssociate degree from a CoARC-accredited program
ExamNBRC CRT or RRT exam
Application fee$90
RenewalEvery 2.0 years
NotesApplicants must pass the Respiratory Care Practitioner Law and Rule Examination. A fingerprint background check through IdentoGO (IDEMIA) is required. Applicants must possess a high school education or its equivalent. While Utah does not require CEUs for license renewal, most employers require maintaining NBRC credentials, which do have CE requirements.

Source: Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL)

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_circleUtah 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 I become a respiratory therapist in Utah? expand_more
To become a respiratory therapist in Utah, 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 ($90 fee).
Does Utah require respiratory therapist licensure? expand_more
A state license is required in Utah. Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL) handles respiratory therapist licensing — the NBRC CRT or RRT exam is part of the process.
What is the average respiratory therapist salary in Utah? expand_more
Utah respiratory therapists bring home a median salary of $78,990. This is close to the national median of $80,450. The range spans from $65,270 at the entry level to $96,820 for top earners.
What's the timeline to become a respiratory therapist in Utah? expand_more
In Utah, becoming a respiratory therapist generally takes 2-4 years (education) + application processing time, accounting for education requirements, hands-on training, and the exam process.

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