Respiratory Therapist in Washington

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

Median annual salary

$97,150

trending_up +20.8% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Washington.

engineering

1,850

Jobs (WA)

monitoring Surging

+12.1%

10-yr job growth

payments

$140

Licensing fees

schedule

Varies (2+ years for education, plus application processing time)

Time to complete

route How to become a respiratory therapist in Washington

To become a licensed Respiratory Care Practitioner in Washington, individuals must graduate from a CoARC-accredited respiratory therapy educational program and pass both the Therapist Multiple-Choice Examination and the Clinical Simulation Examination administered by the NBRC. Applicants must also complete 7 hours of HIV/AIDS training and undergo a fingerprint-based background check. The application fee is $140, and licenses must be renewed every two years with 30 hours of continuing education, including two hours of health equity training. Washington has also enacted a national compact licensure, effective July 27, 2025, which will facilitate practice across state lines for RTs licensed in participating states.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $76,320

25th percentile $81,470

50th (median) $97,150

75th percentile $105,540

90th (experienced) $121,280

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

checklist Washington requirements

Licensing body	Washington State Department of Health
State license	Required
Education	Associate degree from a CoARC-accredited program
Exam	NBRC RRT exam (Therapist Multiple-Choice Examination and Clinical Simulation Examination)
Application fee	$140
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Continuing education	30.0 hours per cycle
Notes	Applicants must complete 7 hours of HIV/AIDS training. A fingerprint-based background check is required. Beginning January 1, 2024, two hours of health equity training are required each renewal cycle. A minimum of 10 CE hours must be AARC-approved. Washington has signed a national compact licensure, effective July 27, 2025, which will allow RTs to practice across state lines with other participating states.

Source: Washington State Department of Health

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_circleWashington 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 Washington? expand_more

The path to respiratory therapist licensure in Washington: complete the required education (Associate degree from a CoARC-accredited program), pass the NBRC RRT exam (Therapist Multiple-Choice Examination and Clinical Simulation Examination), and submit your application ($140 fee).

Is a respiratory therapist license required in Washington? expand_more

Yes, Washington requires a state license to practice as a respiratory therapist. The licensing body is Washington State Department of Health. You must pass the NBRC RRT exam (Therapist Multiple-Choice Examination and Clinical Simulation Examination).

How much does a respiratory therapist make in Washington? expand_more

respiratory therapists in Washington earn a median of $97,150 annually. That's 21% above the national median of $80,450. Entry-level (10th percentile) starts at $76,320, while experienced professionals (90th percentile) earn $121,280.

How quickly can I become a respiratory therapist in Washington? expand_more

Most candidates in Washington complete the process in Varies (2+ years for education, plus application processing time), from enrollment in a training program through licensure.

Does Washington require continuing education for respiratory therapists? expand_more

Washington requires 30.0 hours of continuing education every 2.0 years to maintain your respiratory therapist license.