Respiratory Therapist in Texas
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for TX
How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Texas
To become a licensed Respiratory Therapist in Texas, individuals must graduate from a CoARC-accredited associate degree program and pass either the NBRC CRT or RRT exam. The licensing body is the Texas Medical Board. Applicants also need to pass the Texas Respiratory Care Jurisprudence Examination and undergo a fingerprint background check. Texas participates in the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact, offering a pathway for licensed therapists from other compact states to practice, and also provides for licensure by endorsement.
Respiratory Therapist Requirements in Texas
| Detail | Texas |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Texas Medical Board |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | Associate degree from a CoARC-accredited program |
| Exam | NBRC CRT or RRT exam ($390) |
| Application Fee | $125 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Continuing Education | 24.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | Applicants must pass the Texas Respiratory Care Jurisprudence Examination (no cost, unlimited attempts). A fingerprint background check is required. Applicants must demonstrate current clinical practice within the last three years. Military service members, spouses, and veterans may have application fees waived. |
Source: Texas Medical Board
Respiratory Therapist Salary in Texas
The median respiratory therapist salary in Texas is $77,550 per year, which is 3.6% below the national median of $80,450.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $61,130 |
| 25th | $65,480 |
| 50th (median) | $77,550 |
| 75th | $84,480 |
| 90th (experienced) | $94,640 |
Texas employs approximately 11,860 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 Texas Worth It?
Factors to consider: Texas's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, strong job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.