Respiratory Therapist in South Dakota
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for SD
How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in South Dakota
To become a licensed Respiratory Therapist in South Dakota, individuals must graduate from a CoARC-accredited program and pass the NBRC CRT or RRT exam. The licensing body is the South Dakota Board of Medical & Osteopathic Examiners. A criminal background check is required, and licenses must be renewed every two years with 20 hours of continuing education. South Dakota participates in the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact, which facilitates reciprocity for practitioners from other compact states.
Respiratory Therapist Requirements in South Dakota
| Detail | South Dakota |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | South Dakota Board of Medical & Osteopathic Examiners |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | Associate degree from a CoARC-accredited program |
| Exam | NBRC CRT or RRT exam |
| Application Fee | $75 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Continuing Education | 20.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | A criminal background check is required. Licenses expire on December 31st of even-numbered years. Temporary permits are available for new graduates and are nonrenewable, terminating three months from eligibility for the exam or upon exam failure. |
Source: South Dakota Board of Medical & Osteopathic Examiners
Respiratory Therapist Salary in South Dakota
The median respiratory therapist salary in South Dakota is $64,720 per year, which is 19.6% below the national median of $80,450.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $46,680 |
| 25th | $53,460 |
| 50th (median) | $64,720 |
| 75th | $72,730 |
| 90th (experienced) | $79,820 |
South Dakota employs approximately 380 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 South Dakota Worth It?
Factors to consider: South Dakota's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, strong job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.