Respiratory Therapist in Alaska
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for AK
How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Alaska
To become a Respiratory Therapist in Alaska, individuals do not need a state license, as Alaska is currently the only state without one. However, employers typically require national certification through the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC). Prospective RTs must complete an Associate or Bachelor's degree from a CoARC-accredited program and pass the NBRC's CRT or RRT exam. While there are no state-mandated continuing education requirements, a bill to establish licensure was introduced in March 2026.
Respiratory Therapist Requirements in Alaska
| Detail | Alaska |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | No state licensing body; National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) for certification |
| State License Required | No |
| Education | Associate degree from a CoARC-accredited program |
| Exam | NBRC CRT or RRT exam ($200) |
| Notes | Alaska does not have a state licensing board for respiratory therapists. Certification through the NBRC (CRT or RRT) is the standard for practice and is typically required by employers. A bill to establish licensure was introduced in the Alaska Senate Labor and Commerce Committee as of March 2026. Minimum age for NBRC CRT exam is 18. |
Source: No state licensing body; National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) for certification
Respiratory Therapist Salary in Alaska
The median respiratory therapist salary in Alaska is $94,210 per year, which is 17.1% above the national median of $80,450.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $76,900 |
| 25th | $82,920 |
| 50th (median) | $94,210 |
| 75th | $101,830 |
| 90th (experienced) | $104,610 |
Alaska employs approximately 170 respiratory therapists.
Respiratory Therapist Job Outlook
AI Impact on Respiratory Therapists
Low AI Exposure (Score: -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.
Is Becoming a Respiratory Therapist in Alaska Worth It?
Factors to consider: Alaska's cost of living, the lack of a state license requirement, strong job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.