Become a Respiratory Therapist in Colorado
A career as a respiratory therapist in Colorado (CO) 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 Colorado it is a requirement that you graduate from an accredited respiratory therapist school. Once you have graduated you will then need to apply for a license before you can begin working.
Jump to:
- Find a Respiratory Therapist School in Colorado
- Certification and Licensing Requirements in Colorado
- How much do Respiratory Therapists make in Colorado?
- Respiratory Therapist Jobs and Employment Colorado
Top Respiratory Therapist Schools Colorado
| School | Area | Degree | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pickens Technical College | Aurora | AAS Degree | Learn More |
| Pueblo Community College | Pueblo | AS Degree | Learn More |
| Pima Medical Institute - Denver | Denver | AS Degree | Learn More |
| Concorde Career College - Denver | Aurora | AS Degree | Learn More |
Respiratory therapist schools in Colorado are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Respiratory Care (CoARC). There are 4 accredited schools offering respiratory therapy programs in Colorado.
Most schools in Colorado 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.
Respiratory therapist certification is not a necessity but it does provide additional assurances as to your skills and competencies.
Learn more: Respiratory therapist programs and degrees requirements
Colorado Respiratory License
Once you have graduated from an accredited program it is required by Colorado law that you obtain a license to work as a respiratory therapist there. The The Division Of Professions And Occupations governs the licensing of respiratory therapists in Colorado.
You can contact the Board directly using the details below:
Phone: 303-894-7796
Website: colorado.gov
Learn more: How to become a respiratory therapist
Respiratory Therapist Salary in Colorado
| Average Salary | $64,450 |
| Hourly Wage | $30.98 |
| Top 10% | $80,480 |
| Bottom 10% | $49,930 |
| Employed | 2,080 |
According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2019), the average respiratory therapist salary in Colorado is $64,450. This is 1% above the national average.
This equates to an average hourly wage of $30.98.
Salary levels for respiratory therapists in Colorado have grown by 10%, or $5,860, between 2015 and 2019.
Salary Range
- The top 10% of earners in the profession in Colorado had an average salary of $80,480
- The lower 10% and entry level respiratory therapists earned an average salary of $49,930
- Respiratory therapists working in Fort Collins earned the highest average salary in the state at $66,230
- Those working in Greeley have the lowest average salary level at $55,920.
| Metro Area | Salary | Number | Top 10% | Bottom 10% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boulder | $65,320 | 110 | $81,000 | $47,870 |
| Colorado Springs | $65,750 | 280 | $82,030 | $51,150 |
| Denver-Aurora-Lakewood | $64,590 | 1,130 | $80,080 | $51,490 |
| Fort Collins | $66,230 | 160 | $82,110 | $52,000 |
| Grand Junction | $64,780 | 70 | $79,580 | $51,220 |
| Greeley | $55,920 | 40 | $71,620 | $43,310 |
| Pueblo | $61,850 | 90 | $77,950 | $45,640 |
Respiratory Therapist Employment in Colorado
There are currently 2,080 people employed as respiratory therapists in Colorado. This number has grown significantly by 18%, or 310 respiratory therapy jobs, between 2015 and 2019.
The highest number of respiratory therapy jobs in Colorado are in Denver-Aurora-Lakewood.
The table below compares respiratory therapy salary and employment with similar healthcare careers in Colorado;
| Career | Salary | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Respiratory Therapist | $64,450 | 2,080 |
| Physical Therapist | $86,740 | 5,100 |
| Occupational Therapist | $90,990 | 3,340 |
| Speech & Language Therapist | $92,580 | 3,980 |
What next?
We hope this guide helps you get started on your path towards becoming a respiratory therapist in Colorado. You might also be interested in the following related pages:
- Online respiratory therapy classes
- Respiratory therapy schools Arizona