Respiratory Therapist in New Jersey
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for NJ
How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in New Jersey
To become a licensed Respiratory Therapist in New Jersey, individuals must graduate from a CoARC-accredited respiratory therapy education program and pass either the NBRC CRT or RRT examination. A criminal history background check is also required as part of the application process. Licenses are renewed every two years, and 30 hours of continuing education are required per cycle. New Jersey also offers reciprocity for out-of-state licensees, though specific state agreements are not detailed.
Respiratory Therapist Requirements in New Jersey
| Detail | New Jersey |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | New Jersey State Board of Respiratory Care |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | Associate degree from a CoARC-accredited program |
| Exam | NBRC CRT or RRT exam (Therapist Multiple-Choice (TMC) Examination and Clinical Simulation Examination (CSE) for RRT) ($190) |
| Application Fee | $285 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Continuing Education | 30.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | A criminal history background check is required. New Jersey issues a temporary license for graduates awaiting examination results. As of November 20, 2023, New Jersey recognizes both the NBRC CRT and RRT exams for licensure. The NBRC is transitioning to a single examination in January 2027, which will have two cut scores to determine CRT or RRT credentials. |
Respiratory Therapist Salary in New Jersey
The median respiratory therapist salary in New Jersey is $98,020 per year, which is 21.8% above the national median of $80,450.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $77,360 |
| 25th | $85,680 |
| 50th (median) | $98,020 |
| 75th | $102,540 |
| 90th (experienced) | $117,750 |
New Jersey employs approximately 3,200 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 New Jersey Worth It?
Factors to consider: New Jersey's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, strong job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.