Texas
How to Become a Registered Respiratory Therapist
Learn what registered respiratory therapist professionals do, how to enter the field, and how the career can grow—plus current Texas earning potential.
Texas Median Salary
$79,540
2026 EDITION
Time to Entry
24–28 weeks gestation and is adequate around 35 weeks)
Total Investment
$75,000–$85,000, slightly below the national median
Employment #s
12130
Our Features
Every figure in this guide is dated and traced to the agency or survey it came from. Wage data: BLS OEWS May 2025 (released 15 May 2026).
Who It's For:
For people exploring registered respiratory therapist and ready-to-start candidates who want a clear, source-backed view of the work, the entry requirements, the time and cost involved, and the paths available after qualification.
What's in the Guide:
What the work involves, where the role fits, and what employers expect | A step-by-step entry roadmap covering education, regulation, credentials, exams, time, and cost | Career-specific skills and realities: The National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC); The Ecosystem: NBRC, CoARC, AARC, and State Boards | Current Texas and U.S. pay ranges and the factors that shape earning potential | A source-backed 90-day action plan
Earning Potential
Texas
$61,310 – $99,690
United States
$61,310 – $99,690
BLS OEWS May 2025 (released 15 May 2026)
Regulatory Authority
Texas Medical Board
Is a license required?
Varies
Credential
the license application. Certain criminal convictions may disqualify you or requi
Continuing Education
24 hours of continuing education are required per renewal cycle
Examination
The Exam Curriculum (What You Actually Must Know
Heading 3
Texas Medical Board sets the standard that employers hire against.
Common Questions
Credential
