CertOutlook

Respiratory Therapist in District of Columbia

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

Median annual salary
$104,240
trending_up +29.6% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, District of Columbia.

engineering
360

Jobs (DC)

monitoring Surging
+12.1%

10-yr job growth

payments
$444

Licensing fees

schedule
2-4 years

Time to complete

route How to become a respiratory therapist in District of Columbia

To become a licensed Respiratory Therapist in the District of Columbia, applicants must graduate from a CoARC-accredited respiratory care program and pass the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) Therapist Multiple-Choice (TMC) examination (CRT or RRT). The licensing body is the District of Columbia Board of Respiratory Care. A criminal background check is required, and the application fee is $254. Licenses are renewed every two years, requiring 16 continuing education hours, including specific ethics and LGBTQ content.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $79,630
25th percentile $91,580
50th (median) $104,240
75th percentile $110,750
90th (experienced) $125,470

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

checklist District of Columbia requirements

Licensing bodyDistrict of Columbia Board of Respiratory Care
State license Required
EducationAssociate degree from a CoARC-accredited program
ExamNBRC CRT or RRT exam ($190)
Application fee$254
RenewalEvery 2.0 years
Continuing education16.0 hours per cycle
NotesA criminal background check is required for licensure and renewal. The renewal fee is $169, and a $50 fee is required for the criminal background check. 16 CE hours are required biennially, including 2 hours of ethics and 2 hours of LGBTQ continuing education. First-time renewal applicants are exempt from CE requirements. Licenses expire on January 31 of odd-numbered years, but a new system will transition licenses to expire on the last day of the birth month for new applicants and those renewing after September 2024.

Source: District of Columbia 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_circleDistrict of Columbia 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 District of Columbia? expand_more
In District of Columbia, becoming a respiratory therapist requires you to complete the required education (Associate degree from a CoARC-accredited program), pass the NBRC CRT or RRT exam, and submit your application ($254 fee).
Does District of Columbia require respiratory therapist licensure? expand_more
Yes, District of Columbia requires a state license to practice as a respiratory therapist. The licensing body is District of Columbia Board of Respiratory Care. You must pass the NBRC CRT or RRT exam.
How much does a respiratory therapist make in District of Columbia? expand_more
In District of Columbia, the median pay for respiratory therapists comes to $104,240/year. This exceeds the $80,450 national median by 30%. The range spans from $79,630 at the entry level to $125,470 for top earners.
What are the fees to become a respiratory therapist in District of Columbia? expand_more
The full cost to enter the field runs about varies, factoring in exam fee ($190) and application fee ($254) and required training.
How long does it take to become a respiratory therapist in District of Columbia? expand_more
Expect to spend 2-4 years from start to finish in District of Columbia — covering coursework, supervised experience, and examination.
Does District of Columbia require continuing education for respiratory therapists? expand_more
To keep your license active, District of Columbia mandates 16.0 CE hours every 2.0 years.

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