Respiratory Therapist in Minnesota

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

Median Salary
$88,040
Minnesota (2024)
National Median
$80,450
All states
License Fees
$612
Exam + application
Time to Complete
2 years (Associate degree)
From start to licensed

How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Minnesota

To become a licensed Respiratory Therapist in Minnesota, individuals must complete an Associate degree from a CoARC-accredited program and pass either the NBRC CRT or RRT exam. The licensing body is the Minnesota Board of Medical Practice. A criminal background check is required, and applicants must be at least 18 years old. Minnesota offers reciprocity for licensed respiratory therapists from other states who meet specific work experience requirements.

Respiratory Therapist Requirements in Minnesota

DetailMinnesota
Licensing BodyMinnesota Board of Medical Practice
State License Required Yes
EducationAssociate degree from a CoARC-accredited program
Exam NBRC CRT or RRT exam ($390)
Application Fee$222
RenewalEvery 2.0 years
Continuing Education24.0 hours per cycle
NotesMinimum age 18. A criminal background check is required. Applicants for reciprocity must have worked at least 8 weeks in the previous 5 years as a respiratory therapist and hold a current, unrestricted credential in another state.

Source: Minnesota Board of Medical Practice

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Minnesota

The median respiratory therapist salary in Minnesota is $88,040 per year, which is 9.4% above the national median of $80,450.

PercentileAnnual Salary
10th (entry level)$71,740
25th$81,550
50th (median)$88,040
75th$97,190
90th (experienced)$100,600

Minnesota employs approximately 1,190 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 Minnesota Worth It?

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the steps to becoming a respiratory therapist in Minnesota?
Minnesota requires respiratory therapists to complete the required education (Associate degree from a CoARC-accredited program), pass the NBRC CRT or RRT exam, and submit your application ($222 fee).
Does Minnesota require respiratory therapist licensure?
Yes, Minnesota requires a state license to practice as a respiratory therapist. The licensing body is Minnesota Board of Medical Practice. You must pass the NBRC CRT or RRT exam.
What do respiratory therapists earn in Minnesota?
The median respiratory therapist salary in Minnesota is $88,040 per year. This exceeds the $80,450 national median by 9%. Wages range from $71,740 (10th percentile) up to $100,600 (90th percentile).
How much does it cost to become a respiratory therapist in Minnesota?
The full cost to enter the field runs about varies, factoring in exam fee ($390) and application fee ($222) and required training.
What's the timeline to become a respiratory therapist in Minnesota?
In Minnesota, becoming a respiratory therapist generally takes 2 years (Associate degree), accounting for education requirements, hands-on training, and the exam process.
What's required to renew a respiratory therapist license in Minnesota?
Yes — respiratory therapists in Minnesota must complete 24.0 CE hours every 2.0 years to stay licensed.

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