Get Started as a Respiratory Therapist in Michigan
A career as a respiratory therapist in Michigan 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 Michigan 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. Certification is not a necessity but it does provide additional assurances as to your skills and competencies.
Browse Contents:
- Find a Respiratory Therapist School in Michigan
- Michigan Certification and Licensing Requirements
- How much do Respiratory Therapists make in Michigan?
- Respiratory Therapist Employment Outlook Michigan
Respiratory Therapist Schools in Michigan
| School | Area | Degree | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ferris State University | Big Rapids | AAS Degree | Learn More |
| Macomb Community College / Detroit Macomb Hospital Corp | Clinton Township | AAS Degree | * |
| Henry Ford College | Dearborn | AAS Degree | Learn More |
| Mott Community College | Flint | AAS Degree | * |
| Jackson College | Jackson | AAS Degree | Learn More |
| Kalamazoo Valley Community College | Kalamazoo | AS Degree | * |
| Monroe County Community College | Monroe | AS Degree | * |
| Muskegon Community College | Muskegon | AS Degree | Learn More |
| St. Clair County Community College | Port Huron | AAS Degree | * |
| Oakland Community College | Southfield | AAS Degree | Learn More |
| Munson Medical Center | Traverse City | AS Degree | * |
| Delta College | University Center | AAS Degree | Learn More |
The Commission on Accreditation of Respiratory Care (CoARC) is the organization in charge of accreditation for respiratory therapist schools.
There are 12 accredited respiratory therapy schools in Michigan.
You have the option of completing an associates degree (2 years) or a bachelors degree (4 years) in your path to becoming a respiratory therapist . 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.
Learn more: Respiratory therapist course curriculum and admissions
Michigan Respiratory License and Certification Requirements
Respiratory therapist certification is optional in Michigan. However licensing is an important prerequisite to securing employment as a respiratory therapist in the state.
The Bureau Of Professional Licensing governs the licensing of respiratory therapists in Michigan. You can contact the Board directly using the details below:
Phone: 517.373.1872
Website: michigan.gov
Learn more: Steps to become a respiratory therapist
Respiratory Therapist Salary in Michigan
| Average Salary | $58,870 |
| Hourly Wage | $28.30 |
| Top 10% | $75,540 |
| Bottom 10% | $45,190 |
| Employed | 4,520 |
The average respiratory therapist salary in Michigan is $58,870 – 8% less than the national average.*
*Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) (2019).
This equates to an average hourly wage of $28.30.
Salary levels for respiratory therapists in Michigan have increased by 10%, or $5,210, between 2015 and 2019.
Salary Range
- The top 10% of earners in the profession in Michigan had an average salary of $75,540
- The lower 10% and entry level respiratory therapists earned an average salary of $45,190
- Respiratory therapists working in Ann Arbor earned the highest average salary in the state at $62,900
- Those working in Muskegon have the lowest average salary level at $56,880.
| Metro Area | Salary | Top 10% | Bottom 10% | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ann Arbor | $62,900 | $79,100 | $50,950 | 360 |
| Battle Creek | $58,980 | $74,590 | $46,490 | 70 |
| Detroit-Warren-Dearborn | $58,250 | $75,230 | $44,330 | 1,850 |
| Grand Rapids-Wyoming | $58,360 | $75,400 | $44,740 | 730 |
| Lansing-East Lansing | $60,590 | $76,120 | $50,320 | 200 |
| Muskegon | $56,880 | $64,110 | $48,470 | - |
| Niles-Benton Harbor | $57,090 | $65,620 | $44,510 | 40 |
| Saginaw | $60,120 | $76,690 | $46,450 | 170 |
Respiratory Therapist Employment in Michigan
There are currently 4,520 people employed as respiratory therapists in Michigan. This number has fallen by 15%, or 580 respiratory therapy jobs, between 2015 and 2019.
The highest number of respiratory therapy jobs in Michigan are in Detroit-Warren-Dearborn.
The table below compares respiratory therapy salary and employment with similar healthcare careers in Michigan;
| Career | Salary | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Respiratory Therapist | $58,870 | 4,520 |
| Speech & Language Therapist | $80,870 | 4,300 |
| Occupational Therapist | $78,010 | 4,620 |
| Physical Therapist | $90,500 | 8,060 |
Related Content
We hope this guide helps you get started on your path towards becoming a respiratory therapist in Michigan. You might also be interested in the following related content:
- Online classes