Respiratory Therapist in New York

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

Median Salary
$103,820
New York (2024)
National Median
$80,450
All states
License Fees
$294
Exam + application
Time to Complete
2-4 years
From start to licensed

How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in New York

To become a licensed Respiratory Therapist in New York, individuals must obtain an Associate or Bachelor's degree from a CoARC-accredited program and pass both the NBRC CRT and RRT examinations. The licensing body is the New York State Education Department, Office of the Professions - State Board for Respiratory Therapy. Applicants must also complete specific coursework in child abuse identification and infection control. New York offers reciprocity for individuals certified in other U.S. states, the District of Columbia, the military, or through the NREMT for certain provider levels.

Respiratory Therapist Requirements in New York

DetailNew York
Licensing BodyNYS Office of the Professions - State Board for Respiratory Therapy
State License Required Yes
EducationAssociate degree from a CoARC-accredited program
Exam NBRC CRT and RRT exams
Application Fee$294
RenewalEvery 3.0 years
Continuing Education30.0 hours per cycle
NotesApplicants must complete coursework in child abuse identification and infection control. A one-time 2-hour course in the Identification and Reporting of Child Abuse and Maltreatment is required for initial licensure. An infection control course is required every four years.

Source: NYS Office of the Professions - State Board for Respiratory Therapy

Respiratory Therapist Salary in New York

The median respiratory therapist salary in New York is $103,820 per year, which is 29.0% above the national median of $80,450.

PercentileAnnual Salary
10th (entry level)$78,100
25th$87,440
50th (median)$103,820
75th$121,310
90th (experienced)$127,530

New York employs approximately 6,780 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 New York Worth It?

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

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I become a respiratory therapist in New York?
The path to respiratory therapist licensure in New York: complete the required education (Associate degree from a CoARC-accredited program), pass the NBRC CRT and RRT exams, and submit your application ($294 fee).
Does New York require respiratory therapist licensure?
A state license is required in New York. NYS Office of the Professions - State Board for Respiratory Therapy handles respiratory therapist licensing — the NBRC CRT and RRT exams is part of the process.
What do respiratory therapists earn in New York?
New York respiratory therapists bring home a median salary of $103,820. That's 29% above the national median of $80,450. Wages range from $78,100 (10th percentile) up to $127,530 (90th percentile).
How long does it take to become a respiratory therapist in New York?
The typical timeline in New York is 2-4 years. This includes completing education, gaining any required experience, and passing the licensing exam.
What's required to renew a respiratory therapist license in New York?
Yes — respiratory therapists in New York must complete 30.0 CE hours every 3.0 years to stay licensed.

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