Respiratory Therapist in Maine

Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for ME

Median Salary
$79,330
Maine (2024)
National Median
$80,450
All states
License Fees
$65
Exam + application
Time to Complete
2 years (Associate degree)
From start to licensed

How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Maine

To become a licensed Respiratory Therapist in Maine, applicants must obtain a license from the Maine Board of Respiratory Care Practitioners. Key steps include completing an Associate degree from a CoARC-accredited program and passing the NBRC advanced practitioner examination (RRT), or holding a current NBRC RRT credential. A criminal history records check is also required. Maine does not currently have a compact license agreement for Respiratory Therapists, and continuing education is not required for license renewal.

Respiratory Therapist Requirements in Maine

DetailMaine
Licensing BodyMaine Board of Respiratory Care Practitioners
State License Required Yes
EducationAssociate degree from a CoARC-accredited program
Exam NBRC CRT or RRT exam
Application Fee$65
RenewalEvery 1.0 year
NotesA criminal history records check is required ($21 fee). Applicants must pass the NBRC advanced practitioner examination (RRT) or hold a current NBRC RRT credential. Examination scores are recognized for no more than one year after issuance. Temporary licenses are available for individuals who have completed an accredited program but have not yet passed the NBRC exam, allowing them to practice under direct supervision.

Source: Maine Board of Respiratory Care Practitioners

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Maine

The median respiratory therapist salary in Maine is $79,330 per year, which is 1.4% below the national median of $80,450.

PercentileAnnual Salary
10th (entry level)$62,480
25th$67,220
50th (median)$79,330
75th$83,410
90th (experienced)$91,710

Maine employs approximately 450 respiratory therapists.

Respiratory Therapist Job Outlook

10-Year Growth
+12.1%
Much faster than average
Annual Openings
8.8
Nationwide per year
Total Employment
139.6
Nationwide

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 Maine Worth It?

Factors to consider: Maine's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, strong job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's required to work as a respiratory therapist in Maine?
To become a respiratory therapist in Maine, you need to complete the required education (Associate degree from a CoARC-accredited program), pass the NBRC CRT or RRT exam, and submit your application ($65 fee).
Is a respiratory therapist license required in Maine?
Maine mandates state licensure for respiratory therapists. Maine Board of Respiratory Care Practitioners oversees the process, which includes passing the NBRC CRT or RRT exam.
What do respiratory therapists earn in Maine?
Maine respiratory therapists bring home a median salary of $79,330. That's roughly in line with the $80,450 national median. New respiratory therapists start around $62,480; seasoned professionals can reach $91,710.
What's the timeline to become a respiratory therapist in Maine?
The typical timeline in Maine is 2 years (Associate degree). This includes completing education, gaining any required experience, and passing the licensing exam.

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