Get Started as a Respiratory Therapist in Alabama
If you are hoping to become a respiratory therapist in Alabama (AL) then you will be pleased to learn that the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that employment of respiratory therapists will grow nationwide by 19% from 2019 to 2029.
To become a respiratory therapist in Alabama you will need to graduate from an accredited school and obtain a license before you can begin working there.
Certification is optional but provides assurances as to an individuals skills and competencies.
Jump to:
Top Respiratory Therapist Schools in Alabama
| School | Area | Degree | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wallace Community College | Dothan | AAS Degree | Learn More |
| Wallace State Community College | Hanceville | AAS Degree | Learn More |
| Shelton State Community College | Tuscaloosa | AAS Degree | Learn More |
| Jefferson State Community College | Birmingham | AAS Degree | * |
| Trenholm State Community College | Montgomery | AAS Degree | * |
Respiratory therapist schools in Alabama are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Respiratory Care (CoARC). There are 5 accredited schools offering respiratory therapy programs in Alabama.
Most schools in Alabama 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 optional in Alabama.
Learn more: Respiratory therapist program requirements
Alabama Respiratory License
Once you have graduated from an accredited program it is required by Alabama law that you obtain a license to work as a respiratory therapist there. The Alabama State Board Of Respiratory Therapy governs the licensing of respiratory therapists in Alabama.
You can contact the Board directly using the details below:
Phone: 334.396.2332
Website: asbrt.alabama.gov
Learn more: Steps to become a respiratory therapist
Respiratory Therapist Salary Alabama
| Average Salary | $52,110 |
| Hourly Wage | $25.06 |
| Top 10% | $68,990 |
| Bottom 10% | $39,280 |
| Employed | 2,240 |
According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2019), the average respiratory therapist salary in Alabama is $52,110. This is 19% less than the national average.
This equates to an average hourly wage of $25.06.
Salary levels for respiratory therapists in Alabama have grown by 11%, or $5,180, between 2015 and 2019.
Salary Range
- The top 10% of earners in the profession in Alabama had an average salary of $68,990
- The lower 10% and entry level respiratory therapists earned an average salary of $39,280
- Respiratory therapists working in Huntsville earned the highest average salary in the state at $55,560
- Those working in Daphne-Fairhope-Foley have the lowest average salary level at $49,780.
| Metro Area | Salary | Employed | Top 10% | Bottom 10% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anniston-Oxford-Jacksonville | $54,490 | 80 | $71,320 | $42,450 |
| Birmingham-Hoover | $53,880 | 710 | $71,240 | $39,970 |
| Daphne-Fairhope-Foley | $49,780 | 110 | $61,600 | $41,850 |
| Dothan | $49,810 | - | $66,280 | $35,310 |
| Huntsville | $55,560 | 260 | $76,120 | $40,370 |
| Mobile | $50,580 | 230 | $62,070 | $41,470 |
| Montgomery | $55,040 | 150 | $76,030 | $38,870 |
Respiratory Therapist Employment in Alabama
There are currently 2,240 people employed as respiratory therapists in Alabama. This number has grown by 3%, or 70 respiratory therapy jobs, between 2015 and 2019.
The highest number of respiratory therapy jobs in Alabama are in Birmingham-Hoover.
The table below compares respiratory therapy salary and employment with similar healthcare careers in Alabama;
| Career | Salary | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Respiratory Therapist | $52,110 | 2,240 |
| Physical Therapist | $92,570 | 2,770 |
| Occupational Therapist | $85,760 | 1,310 |
| Speech & Language Therapist | $68,230 | 1,700 |
What next?
We hope this guide helps you get started on your path towards becoming a respiratory therapist in Alabama. You might also be interested in the following related pages:
- Online classes