Getting Started as a Respiratory Therapist Arizona
A career as a respiratory therapist in Arizona (AZ) offers good income potential and jobs growth. In fact the Bureau of Labor Statistics has predicted that demand for respiratory therapists will increase by 19% between 2019 to 2029.
To become a respiratory therapist in Arizona you will need to complete an accredited program and obtain your respiratory therapist license. Below we provide information on schools, licensing, certification requirements, and careers data.
Jump to:
- Find a Respiratory Therapist School in Arizona
- Arizona Certification and Licensing Requirements
- How much do Respiratory Therapists make in Arizona?
- Respiratory Therapist Jobs and Employment in Arizona
Respiratory Therapist School AZ
| School | Area | Degree | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pima Community College - Tucson | Tucson | AAS Degree | Learn More |
| Carrington College - Phoenix East | Phoenix | AAS Degree | Learn More |
| GateWay Community College | Phoenix | AS Degree | Learn More |
| Pima Medical Institute - Tucson | Tucson | AS Degree | Learn More |
| Pima Medical Institute - Mesa | Mesa | AS Degree | Learn More |
The Commission on Accreditation of Respiratory Care (CoARC) are responsible for accrediting respiratory therapist schools. There are currently 5 accredited respiratory therapy schools in Arizona.
Most schools in Arizona will offer a choice between an associates degree (2 years) or a bachelors degree (4 years). An associates degree will get you started in your career whilst a bachelors degree will open up more career doors such as supervisory and management roles.
Certification is optional in Arizona but can provide additional assurances as to an individuals skills and competencies and may boost your career opportunities.
Learn more: Respiratory therapist program requirements
Arizona Respiratory Therapist License
Once you have graduated from an accredited program it is required by Arizona law that you obtain a license to work as a respiratory therapist there. The Board Of Respiratory Care Examiners governs the licensing of respiratory therapists in Arizona.
You can contact the Board directly using the details below:
Phone: 602-542-5995
Website: rb.az.gov
Learn more: Steps to become a respiratory therapist
Respiratory Therapist Salary AZ
| Average Salary | $60,170 |
| Hourly Wage | $28.93 |
| Top 10% | $75,810 |
| Bottom 10% | $49,310 |
| Employed | 3,180 |
According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2019), the average respiratory therapist salary in Arizona is $60,170. This is 6% below the national average.
This equates to an average hourly wage of $28.93.
Salary levels for respiratory therapists in Arizona have increased by 9%, or $5,020, between 2015 and 2019.
- The top 10% of earners in the profession in Arizona had an average salary of $75,810
- The lower 10% and entry level respiratory therapists earned an average salary of $49,310
- Respiratory therapists working in Flagstaff earned the highest average salary in the state at $65,760
- Those working in Sierra Vista-Douglas have the lowest average salary level at $52,490.
| Metro Area | Salary | Employed | Top 10% | Bottom 10% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flagstaff | $65,760 | 70 | $82,060 | $52,140 |
| Lake Havasu City-Kingman | $54,530 | 50 | $74,090 | $41,520 |
| Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale | $60,190 | 2,220 | $75,570 | $50,000 |
| Prescott | $61,220 | 80 | $76,430 | $51,450 |
| Sierra Vista-Douglas | $52,490 | 40 | $62,780 | $42,110 |
| Tucson | $59,840 | 550 | $75,350 | $49,360 |
| Yuma | $62,390 | 50 | $79,400 | $46,350 |
Respiratory Therapist Employment in Arizona
There are currently 3,180 people employed as respiratory therapists in Arizona. This number has grown significantly by 34%, or 810 respiratory therapy jobs, between 2015 and 2019.
The highest number of respiratory therapy jobs in Arizona are in Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale.
The table below compares respiratory therapy salary and employment with similar healthcare careers in Arizona;
| Career | Salary | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Respiratory Therapist | $60,170 | 3,180 |
| Physical Therapist | $89,350 | 3,600 |
| Occupational Therapist | $95,180 | 2,100 |
| Speech & Language Therapist | $73,610 | 2,730 |
What next?
We hope this guide helps you get started on your path towards becoming a respiratory therapist in Arizona. You might also be interested in the following related pages:
- Online classes