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Respiratory Therapists care for those who have trouble breathing and their patients range from premature infants to the elderly.

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The median annual wage for respiratory therapists in May 2016 was $58,670. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10% earned less than $42,490, and the highest 10% earned more than $81,550.

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Respiratory Therapists may have an associate's degree but a bachelor's degree is preferred. The completion of a program that is accredited by the Commission of Accreditation for Respiratory Care is required for licensure.

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Respiratory Therapists typically examine patients with breathing or cardiopulmonary diseases.

Consult with physicians to develop specific patient treatment plans.

Monitor as well as record patients progress.

Teach patients how to take certain medications and use certain equipment.

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The future employment of respiratory therapists is expected to grow 23% from 2016 to 2026, much faster than average for all occupations. The aging population will lead to an increased demand for respiratory therapy services and treatment, mostly in hospitals.

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In this career, respiratory therapists, are often on their feet for long periods of time, and may need to be able to lift elderly or handicapped patients.
Most work full-time jobs and work very closely with registered nurses, physicians and surgeons, and medical assistants.