Respiratory Therapist in Michigan
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for MI
How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Michigan
To become a licensed Respiratory Therapist in Michigan, individuals must obtain an associate's degree from a CoARC-accredited program and pass the NBRC CRT or RRT exam. The licensing body is the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) - Board of Respiratory Care. A criminal background check is required, and continuing education includes specific training in implicit bias and human trafficking. While Michigan does not have reciprocity agreements, licensure by endorsement is available for those licensed in other states or Canadian provinces.
Respiratory Therapist Requirements in Michigan
| Detail | Michigan |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) - Board of Respiratory Care |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | Associate degree from a CoARC-accredited program |
| Exam | NBRC CRT or RRT exam ($200) |
| Application Fee | $270 |
| Renewal | Every 3.0 years |
| Continuing Education | 3.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | A criminal background check is required. CE must include 1 hour of implicit bias training for each year of the license cycle (3 hours total for a 3-year cycle) and a one-time training in identifying victims of human trafficking. English language proficiency is also required. Michigan does not have reciprocity agreements with other states, but licensure by endorsement is possible for those licensed in other states or Canadian provinces. |
Source: Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) - Board of Respiratory Care
Respiratory Therapist Salary in Michigan
The median respiratory therapist salary in Michigan is $77,460 per year, which is 3.7% below the national median of $80,450.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $63,750 |
| 25th | $66,540 |
| 50th (median) | $77,460 |
| 75th | $81,890 |
| 90th (experienced) | $87,430 |
Michigan employs approximately 4,150 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 Michigan Worth It?
Factors to consider: Michigan's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, strong job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.