Respiratory Therapist in Colorado
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for CO
How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Colorado
To become a licensed Respiratory Therapist in Colorado, individuals must obtain a state license through the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA), Office of Respiratory Therapy Licensure. This typically involves completing an associate's or bachelor's degree from a CoARC-accredited program, passing the NBRC CRT or RRT exam, and submitting an application with an $85 fee. Colorado does not require continuing education for state license renewal, but licensees must maintain their NBRC credential, which has its own CE requirements. The state offers reciprocity for out-of-state licensees with substantially equivalent qualifications and NBRC credentials.
Respiratory Therapist Requirements in Colorado
| Detail | Colorado |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA), Office of Respiratory Therapy Licensure |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | Associate degree from a CoARC-accredited program |
| Exam | NBRC CRT or RRT exam ($200) |
| Application Fee | $85 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Notes | Colorado does not have a state-mandated CE requirement for renewal, but licensees must maintain their NBRC credential, which has its own CE requirements. Licenses expire on August 31st of even-numbered years. New applicants issued a license within 120 days of the upcoming renewal expiration date will be issued a license with the next expiration date. |
Source: Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA), Office of Respiratory Therapy Licensure
Respiratory Therapist Salary in Colorado
The median respiratory therapist salary in Colorado is $80,690 per year, which is 0.3% above the national median of $80,450.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $63,770 |
| 25th | $73,000 |
| 50th (median) | $80,690 |
| 75th | $94,430 |
| 90th (experienced) | $102,210 |
Colorado employs approximately 2,070 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 Colorado Worth It?
Factors to consider: Colorado's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, strong job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.