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
ReciprocityUtah offers endorsement for out-of-state licensees, potentially requiring specific documentation.Reciprocal states: Utah offers licensure by endorsement for those currently licensed as a Respiratory Care Practitioner in another U.S. state, territory, or district. Specific documentation of scope of practice, experience, and exams may be required for certain jurisdictions.
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)

Already licensed elsewhere and moving to Utah? See whether Utah 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

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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