Oregon Respiratory Therapist Schools and Careers

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Get Started as a Respiratory Therapist in Oregon

If you are hoping to become a respiratory therapist in Oregon (OR) 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 Oregon 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.

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Top Respiratory Therapist Schools in Oregon

SchoolAreaDegreeLearn More
Mt. Hood Community CollegeGreshamAS DegreeLearn More
Concorde Career College - PortlandPortlandAS DegreeLearn More

Respiratory therapist schools in Oregon are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Respiratory Care (CoARC). There are 2 accredited schools offering respiratory therapy programs in Oregon.

Most schools in Oregon 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 Oregon.

Learn more: Respiratory therapist program requirements

Oregon Respiratory Therapist License

Once you have graduated from an accredited program it is required by Oregon law that you obtain a license to work as a respiratory therapist there. The Oregon Health Licensing Agency governs the licensing of respiratory therapists in Oregon.

You can contact the Board directly using the details below:

Phone: 503-378-8667
Website: oregon.gov

Learn more: Steps to become a respiratory therapist


Respiratory Therapist Salary in Oregon

Average Salary$70,480
Hourly Wage$33.88
Top 10%$85,180
Bottom 10%$55,030
Employed1,340

According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2019), the average respiratory therapist salary in Oregon is $70,480. This is 10% greater than the national average.

This equates to an average hourly wage of $33.88.

Salary levels for respiratory therapists in Oregon have increased by 9%, or $5,860, between 2015 and 2019.

Salary Range

  • The top 10% of earners in the profession in Oregon had an average salary of $85,180
  • The lower 10% and entry level respiratory therapists earned an average salary of $55,030
  • Respiratory therapists working in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro earned the highest average salary in the state at $72,090
  • Those working in Salem have the lowest average salary level at $66,780.

The table below further breaks down salary across the larger metro areas in the state.

Metro AreaSalaryBottom 10%Top 10%Employed
Medford$71,910$54,270$94,940130
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro$72,090$55,970$90,150730
Salem$66,780$53,780$80,220-

Respiratory Therapist Employment in Oregon

There are currently 1,340 people employed as respiratory therapists in Oregon. This number has increased by 19%, or 210 respiratory therapy jobs, between 2015 and 2019.

The highest number of respiratory therapy jobs in Oregon are in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro.

The table below compares respiratory therapy salary and employment with similar healthcare careers in Oregon;

CareerSalaryEmployment
Respiratory Therapist$70,4801,340
Physical Therapist$87,2002,890
Occupational Therapist$92,7301,350
Speech & Language Therapist$86,8001,650

What next?

We hope this guide helps you get started on your path towards becoming a respiratory therapist in Oregon. You might also be interested in the following related pages:

  • Online classes