Get Started as a Respiratory Therapist in Missouri
If you are hoping to become a respiratory therapist in Missouri (MO) 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 Missouri 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 Missouri
| School | Area | Degree | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cape Girardeau Career & Technology Center | Cape Girardeau | AS Degree | Learn More |
| Concorde Career College - Kansas City | Kansas City | AS Degree | Learn More |
| Missouri Southern State University | Joplin | AS Degree | * |
| Ozarks Technical Community College | Springfield | AS Degree | Learn More |
| St. Louis College of Health Careers | Fenton | AAS Degree | Learn More |
| St. Louis Community College - Forest Park | St Louis | AAS Degree | Learn More |
Respiratory therapist schools in Missouri are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Respiratory Care (CoARC). There are 6 accredited schools offering respiratory therapy programs in Missouri.
Most schools in Missouri 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 Missouri.
Learn more: Respiratory therapist program requirements
Missouri Respiratory Therapist License
Once you have graduated from an accredited program it is required by Missouri law that you obtain a license to work as a respiratory therapist there. The Missouri Board For Respiratory Care governs the licensing of respiratory therapists in Missouri.
You can contact the Board directly using the details below:
Phone: 573-522-5864
Website: pr.mo.gov/respiratorycare.asp
Learn more: Steps to become a respiratory therapist
Respiratory Therapist Salary Missouri
| Average Salary | $55,570 |
| Hourly Wage | $26.72 |
| Top 10% | $74,260 |
| Bottom 10% | $41,440 |
| Employed | 2820 |
According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2019), the average respiratory therapist salary in Missouri is $55,570. This is 13% less than the national average.
This equates to an average hourly wage of $26.72.
Salary levels for respiratory therapists in Missouri have increased by 9%, or $4,510, between 2015 and 2019.
Salary Range
- The top 10% of earners in the profession in Missouri had an average salary of $74,260
- The lower 10% and entry level respiratory therapists earned an average salary of $41,440
- Respiratory therapists working in Kansas City earned the highest average salary in the state at $59,250
- Those working in Springfield have the lowest average salary level at $52,160.
| Metro Area | Salary | Top 10% | Bottom 10% | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Columbia | $55,420 | $75,630 | $39,010 | 70 |
| Kansas City | $59,250 | $78,620 | $42,740 | 1,070 |
| Springfield | $52,160 | $69,760 | $39,920 | 340 |
| St. Louis | $57,110 | $74,840 | $42,610 | 1,220 |
Respiratory Therapist Employment in Missouri
There are currently 2820 people employed as respiratory therapists in Missouri. This number has grown significantly by 17%, or 400 respiratory therapy jobs, between 2015 and 2019.
The highest number of respiratory therapy jobs in Missouri are in St. Louis.
The table below compares respiratory therapy salary and employment with similar healthcare careers in Missouri;
| Career | Salary | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Respiratory Therapist | $55,570 | 2,820 |
| Physical Therapist | $84,180 | 4,490 |
| Occupational Therapist | $79,570 | 2,240 |
| Speech & Language Therapist | $79,070 | 3,410 |
What next?
We hope this guide helps you get started on your path towards becoming a respiratory therapist in Missouri. You might also be interested in the following related pages:
- Online classes