Respiratory therapists can look forward to easier professional relocation and travel positions in the future. The American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) has been working with the Council of State Governments (CSG) to help licensed therapists access a new interstate compact. This means streamlined licensing that crosses state borders, allowing respiratory therapists to serve patient populations in different states without complicated licensing hurdles.
The Life of a Travel Respiratory Therapist
Travel respiratory therapists (CRTs and RRTs) generally work closely with other providers and treat a wide range of patient populations. Their treatment supports underdeveloped lungs and people whose lungs or breathing are permanently or temporarily affected by disease or illness.
There are approximately 130,000 general respiratory therapists in the United States, and that number is expected to continue to grow much faster than the average job growth rate. The overall hiring demand for this specialty is expected to grow by 9 percent from 2025 to 2035. This rise is due in part to an aging population, an increased focus on respiratory care, and a growing prioritization of lung health. For travel respiratory therapists, contracts typically last 13 weeks in high-need areas (like adult ICUs, emergency departments, and NICUs).
The career outlook for travel respiratory therapists is a promising healthcare specialty. Read on to learn more about what a respiratory therapist does, what it takes to become a respiratory therapist, the career benefits of travel respiratory therapy, top cities for temporary positions, and more.
How To Become a Travel Respiratory Therapist
Becoming a travel respiratory therapist requires the same clinical and educational foundation as becoming a respiratory therapist, plus a few extra steps to find the right travel contract. Here are the typical steps required to become a travel respiratory therapist:
- Consider an Info Session: Many educational institutions host info sessions to provide prospective students with an overview of respiratory care programs. This is a good opportunity for potential therapists to make sure this is the right career path to pursue. The session will also cover any admissions criteria, compliance requirements, and support systems available to students during their respiratory therapy program.
- Earn a Degree:
An associate or bachelor’s degree in respiratory therapy from an accredited program is the first step required to become a respiratory therapist. While associate degrees take less time to earn, the positions those therapists qualify for may be more limited and offer lower compensation. Bachelor’s degree programs typically take four years to complete, but that extra time and higher qualification can result in higher earning potential. - Complete Certifications:
All potential respiratory therapists must pass the Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) exam, which all states require for licensure. The next credential to obtain is the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential, which is known as the established “standard of excellence” in respiratory therapy. Then therapists can also become qualified to work as a travel CRT or travel RRT. - Obtain Licensure:
Applying for and obtaining state licensure is the next step to practice as a respiratory therapist. Steps can vary by state, so be sure to check state-specific requirements. Also, review the list of states in the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact to see which locations make travel positions easier to obtain. - Partner With a Travel Healthcare Agency: Finding the right travel opportunity as a respiratory therapist can make a big difference in career benefits and satisfaction. Make sure the agency has clear systems for vetting opportunities and a well-established understanding of the industry.
Travel Respiratory Therapy Responsibilities
When patients have difficulty breathing because of a chronic condition, an emergency, or an illness, a respiratory therapist helps manage their treatment. Their routine responsibilities may change slightly based on their patient population or the type of care facility. Both local and travel respiratory therapists have similar day-to-day responsibilities.
Routine Responsibilities
Respiratory therapists help determine the most effective treatment plan or therapy approach to improve a patient’s breathing. Their daily routines include overseeing therapy, administering diagnostic tests, developing treatment plans, and collaborating with providers, patients, and families to improve overall respiratory health.
Other regular tasks of respiratory therapists include conducting chest exams, drawing blood, adjusting therapy methods, analyzing oxygen levels, managing ventilators, and monitoring a patient’s vital signs to get a clear picture of their overall health.
Commonly Treated Conditions
Many illnesses, emergencies, or chronic conditions require respiratory therapy and treatment. Below are some common chronic and acute conditions treated with respiratory therapy.
Chronic Conditions:
- Pulmonary hypertension
- Asthma
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Interstitial lung disease (ILD)
- Cystic fibrosis
- Sleep apnea
Emergencies and Acute Conditions:
- Respiratory infections
- Pneumonia
- Trauma
- Cardiac arrest
- Premature lung development in infants
Beyond these common conditions, RTs work with patients in other types of special cases. For example, post-operative care or unique patient situations (like smoking cessation plans or pulmonary rehabilitation) require involvement from respiratory therapists.
Specialization Opportunities
Respiratory therapists can specialize or work with a specific patient population. Some specialization options for RTs include:
- Pulmonary rehabilitation
- Critical care
- Pediatric or neonatal
- Home care
- Pulmonary diagnostics
- Geriatric
Respiratory therapists are needed in a wide variety of care facilities. Those most often involve:
- General and specialty hospitals (about 75 to 80 percent of respiratory therapists work in this setting)
- Cardiopulmonary rehabilitation centers
- Home health agencies
- Cardiopulmonary diagnostic labs
- Skilled nursing facilities
- Nursing and residential care facilities
- Outpatient clinics and offices
Why Choose Respiratory Therapy?
Compensation
The annual compensation of respiratory therapists varies depending on state, patient population, and facility type; however, the average annual base salary as of 2025 is $82,280, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Travel RRTs and travel CRTs have higher earning potential than the average respiratory therapist.
Increasing Demand
Job growth for respiratory therapists is increasing faster than the average occupation, and travel therapists are needed more than ever. This demand is expected to continue growing because of an aging population, advances in treatment, and ongoing staffing shortages in healthcare.
Top-Paying Travel Respiratory Therapists
Specialized travel roles in respiratory therapy often offer higher earning potential. Specialties with the highest salary potential among respiratory therapy include:
- Neonatal and pediatric care
- Trauma and emergency care
- Sleep studies
- ECMO management
Top Benefits of Travel Positions
Travel positions offer unique opportunities to meet personal goals and advance your career. When comparing local positions to travel opportunities, it’s important to consider these unique benefits of travel contracts:
- Higher earning potential
- Diverse experience
- Career flexibility
- Networking opportunities
- New experiences
Top-Paying Travel Locations
Working as a travel respiratory therapist offers high earning potential and compensation bonuses.
And the top ten most competitive states overall for respiratory therapy positions are:
- District of Columbia
- California
- New York
- New Jersey
- Alaska
- Hawaii
- Washington
- Oregon
- Massachusetts
- Nevada
What Is the Licensure Compact for Respiratory Therapists?
The Respiratory Care Interstate Compact (RCIC) is structured similarly to the Nurse Licensure Compact, enabling providers to practice efficiently across state lines and in travel positions without the complication of applying for licensure and credentials in multiple states. States are currently in the process of enacting the compact, which means legislation will soon be introduced in those states to offer this compact to respiratory therapists. Here are the current states in that process. When the compact becomes fully operationalized, RTs will have enhanced travel and telehealth opportunities, and relocation will be simplified for moves or temporary travel positions.
Respiratory Therapy Career Support With SHC
Are you looking for a new local opportunity as a respiratory therapist, or a travel position that fits your personal and professional goals? Supplemental Health Care connects providers with vetted job opportunities that fit their plans. Our recruiting team can connect you with your next role or help you take the next steps to grow your respiratory therapy career. Learn more today!
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