Become a Respiratory Therapist in Georgia
A career as a respiratory therapist in Georgia (GA) 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 Georgia 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:
- Find a Respiratory Therapist School in Georgia
- Georgia Licensing Requirements
- How much do Respiratory Therapists make in Georgia?
- Respiratory Therapist Employment Outlook in Georgia
Top Respiratory Therapist Schools Georgia
| School | Area | Degree | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|
| Albany State University | Albany | AS Degree | * |
| Andrew College | Cuthbert | AS Degree | * |
| Augusta Technical College | Augusta | AAS Degree | Learn More |
| Coastal Pines Technical College | Waycross | AAS Degree | Learn More |
| Columbus Technical College | Columbus | AAS Degree | Learn More |
| Dalton State College | Dalton | AAS Degree | Learn More |
| Georgia Northwestern Technical College | Rome | AS Degree | * |
| Gwinnett Technical College | Lawrenceville | AS Degree | Learn More |
| Oconee Fall Line Technical College | Dublin | AAS Degree | Learn More |
| Southern Crescent Technical College | Griffin | AAS Degree | Learn More |
| Southern Regional Technical College | Thomasville | AAS Degree | Learn More |
Respiratory therapist schools in Georgia are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Respiratory Care (CoARC). Listed above are the top 11 accredited schools offering respiratory therapy programs in the state.
Most schools in Georgia 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.
Learn more: Respiratory therapist program requirements
Georgia Respiratory Therapist License
Respiratory therapist certification is optional in Georgia however once you have graduated from an accredited program you must obtain a license to work as a respiratory therapist there. The Composite State Board Of Medical Examiners in Georgia governs the licensing of respiratory therapists in the state
You can contact the Board directly using the details below:
Phone: 404-656-3913
Website: medicalboard.georgia.gov
Learn more: Steps to become a respiratory therapist
Respiratory Therapist Salary in Georgia
| Average Salary | $57,760 |
| Hourly Wage | $27.77 |
| Top 10% | $75,830 |
| Bottom 10% | $42,900 |
| Employed | 4320 |
According to a recent study from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2019), the average respiratory therapist salary in Georgia is $57,760. This is 10% less than the national average.
This equates to an average hourly wage of $27.77.
Salary levels for respiratory therapists in Georgia have grown by 8%, or $4,260, between 2015 and 2019.
Salary Range
- The top 10% of earners in the profession in Georgia had an average salary of $75,830
- The lower 10% and entry level respiratory therapists earned an average salary of $42,900
- Respiratory therapists working in Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell earned the highest average salary in the state at $60,850
- Those working in Brunswick have the lowest average salary level at $43,060.
| Metro Area | Salary | Employed | Top 10% | Bottom 10% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell | $60,850 | 2,340 | $77,850 | $45,450 |
| Augusta-Richmond County | $55,570 | 330 | $72,800 | $42,540 |
| Brunswick | $43,060 | 70 | $51,850 | $33,910 |
| Columbus | $54,840 | 140 | $68,510 | $42,370 |
| Macon | $56,260 | 200 | $64,080 | $48,070 |
| Rome | $59,640 | 110 | $77,630 | $44,080 |
| Savannah | $53,600 | 200 | $67,220 | $42,010 |
| Warner Robins | $49,000 | 80 | $62,080 | $41,020 |
Respiratory Therapist Employment in Georgia
There are currently 4320 people employed as respiratory therapists in Georgia. This number has grown by 13%, or 480 respiratory therapy jobs, between 2015 and 2019.
The highest number of respiratory therapy jobs in Georgia are in Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell.
The table below compares respiratory therapy salary and employment with similar healthcare careers in Georgia;
| Career | Salary | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Respiratory Therapist | $57,760 | 4,320 |
| Physical Therapist | $87,590 | 5,430 |
| Occupational Therapist | $85,310 | 3,070 |
| Speech & Language Therapist | $78,440 | 3,440 |
What next?
We hope this guide helps you get started on your path towards becoming a respiratory therapist in Georgia. You might also be interested in the following related pages:
- Online classes