Become a Respiratory Therapist in Iowa
If you wish to pursue a career as a respiratory therapist in Iowa (IO) then it will please you to know that employment for the profession will grow by nearly 20% up between 2019 and 2029, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
To become respiratory therapist in Iowa 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.
Skip to:
- Respiratory Therapist Schools in Iowa
- Iowa Certification and Licensing Requirements
- Respiratory Therapist Salary in Iowa
- Respiratory Therapist Employment Outlook Iowa
Top Respiratory Therapist Schools Iowa
| School | Area | Degree | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|
| Des Moines Area Community College | Ankeny | AS Degree | * |
| Hawkeye Community College | Waterloo | AAS Degree | Learn More |
| Kirkwood Community College | Cedar Rapids | AAS Degree | Learn More |
| Northeast Iowa Community College | Peosta | AAS Degree | Learn More |
| Southeastern Community College | Burlington | AS Degree | * |
| St. Luke's College-UnityPoint Health | Sioux City | AS Degree | Learn More |
The Commission on Accreditation of Respiratory Care (CoARC) are responsible for accrediting respiratory therapist schools in the USA.
Listed above are the top 6 accredited respiratory therapy schools in Iowa.
Typically, in your studies to become a respiratory therapist. you can select between completing 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
Iowa Respiratory License and Certification Requirements
Respiratory therapist certification is optional in Iowa however certification provides an extra layer of assurance as to your skills and competencies and may create further career advancement opportunities.
Licensing is essential. Once you have graduated from an accredited program it is required by Iowa law that you obtain a license to work as a respiratory therapist there. The Iowa Board Of Respiratory Care governs the licensing of respiratory therapists in Iowa.
You can contact the Board directly using the details below:
Phone: 515-281-4401
Website: idph.state.ia.us
Learn more: Steps to become a respiratory therapist
Respiratory Therapist Salary in Iowa
| Average Salary | $54,780 |
| Hourly Wage | $26.34 |
| Top 10% | $71,920 |
| Bottom 10% | $42,760 |
| Employed | 920 |
The average respiratory therapist salary in Iowa is $54,780 – 14% below the national average.*
*Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) (2019).
This equates to an average hourly wage of $26.34.
Salary levels for respiratory therapists in Iowa have increased by 8%, or $4,220, between 2015 and 2019.
Salary Range
- The top 10% of earners in the profession in Iowa had an average salary of $71,920
- The lower 10% and entry level respiratory therapists earned an average salary of $42,760
- Respiratory therapists working in Davenport-Moline-Rock Island earned the highest average salary in the state at $58,200
- Those working in Sioux City have the lowest average salary level at $50,770.
The table below further breaks down salary across the larger metro areas in the state.
| Metro Area | Salary | Employed | Top 10% | Bottom 10% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cedar Rapids | $54,030 | 90 | $72,320 | $42,530 |
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island | $58,200 | 110 | $76,100 | $44,140 |
| Des Moines-West Des Moines | $57,590 | 160 | $76,910 | $42,840 |
| Sioux City | $50,770 | 50 | $64,200 | $40,740 |
| Waterloo-Cedar Falls | $52,320 | 60 | $62,860 | $42,750 |
Respiratory Therapist Employment in Iowa
There are currently 920 people employed as respiratory therapists in Iowa. This number has grown a little by 1%, or 10 respiratory therapy jobs, between 2015 and 2019.
The highest number of respiratory therapy jobs in Iowa are in Des Moines-West Des Moines.
The table below compares respiratory therapy salary and employment with similar healthcare careers in Iowa;
| Career | Salary | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Respiratory Therapist | $54,780 | 920 |
| Physical Therapist | $82,940 | 2,080 |
| Occupational Therapist | $82,380 | 930 |
| Speech & Language Therapist | $76,250 | 1,230 |
Related Content
We hope this guide helps you get started on your path towards becoming a respiratory therapist in Iowa. You might also be interested in the following related content:
- Online classes