Respiratory Therapist in Wisconsin

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

Median annual salary

$82,160

trending_up +2.1% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Wisconsin.

engineering

1,940

Jobs (WI)

monitoring Surging

+12.1%

10-yr job growth

payments

$275

Licensing fees

schedule

2-4 years

Time to complete

route How to become a respiratory therapist in Wisconsin

To become a licensed Respiratory Therapist in Wisconsin, you must graduate from a CoARC-accredited respiratory care program and pass both the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) Therapist Multiple-Choice (TMC) Examination (CRT or RRT) and an open-book Wisconsin Statutes and Administrative Code examination. The licensing body is the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services. A temporary certificate is available for those licensed in other states while their permanent application is processed.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $67,270

25th percentile $75,610

50th (median) $82,160

75th percentile $89,370

90th (experienced) $96,400

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

checklist Wisconsin requirements

Licensing body	Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services
State license	Required
Education	Associate degree from a CoARC-accredited program
Exam	NBRC CRT or RRT exam ($200)
Application fee	$75
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Notes	Applicants must pass an open-book state jurisprudence exam. An oral examination may be required under certain circumstances, such as having a medical condition that impairs practice, substance abuse, prior disciplinary action, criminal convictions related to practice, limited recent practice hours, or adverse formal action during education/training. There is no minimum age specified.

Source: Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services

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_circleWisconsin 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 Wisconsin? expand_more

In Wisconsin, 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 ($75 fee).

Do I need a license to work as a respiratory therapist in Wisconsin? expand_more

You cannot practice as a respiratory therapist in Wisconsin without a state license from Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services. The required exam is the NBRC CRT or RRT exam.

How much does a respiratory therapist make in Wisconsin? expand_more

In Wisconsin, the median pay for respiratory therapists comes to $82,160/year. — within a few percent of the $80,450 national figure. Entry-level (10th percentile) starts at $67,270, while experienced professionals (90th percentile) earn $96,400.

What are the fees to become a respiratory therapist in Wisconsin? expand_more

Plan on spending varies total — that covers exam fee ($200) and application fee ($75) plus your education and training.

How many months or years does respiratory therapist certification take in Wisconsin? expand_more

The typical timeline in Wisconsin is 2-4 years. This includes completing education, gaining any required experience, and passing the licensing exam.