Get Started as a Respiratory Therapist in Puerto Rico
If you are hoping to become a respiratory therapist in Puerto Rico (PR) 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 Puerto Rico 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 Puerto Rico
Respiratory therapist schools are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Respiratory Care (CoARC). There are currently no accredited schools offering respiratory therapy programs in Puerto Rico.
Explore Related Content: Respiratory therapy schools online
Respiratory Therapist Salary in Puerto Rico
| Average Salary | $23,580 |
| Hourly Wage | $11.34 |
| Top 10% | $34,000 |
| Bottom 10% | $16,810 |
| Employed | 610 |
According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2019), the average respiratory therapist salary in Puerto Rico is $23,580. This is 63% below the national average.
This equates to an average hourly wage of $11.34.
Salary levels for respiratory therapists in Puerto Rico have increased slightly by 2%, or $380, between 2015 and 2019.
Salary Range
- The top 10% of earners in the profession in Puerto Rico had an average salary of $34,000
- The lower 10% and entry level respiratory therapists earned an average salary of $16,810
- Respiratory therapists working in San Juan-Carolina-Caguas earned the highest average salary in the state at $24,590
- Those working in Mayaguez have the lowest average salary level at $19,010.
| Metro Area | Salary | Bottom 10% | Top 10% | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aguadilla-Isabela | $19,410 | $16,600 | $24,560 | 50 |
| Mayaguez | $19,010 | $16,010 | $21,690 | - |
| San Juan-Carolina-Caguas | $24,590 | $17,330 | $35,000 | 480 |
Respiratory Therapist Employment in Puerto Rico
There are currently 610 people employed as respiratory therapists in Puerto Rico. This number has grown significantly by 27%, or 130 respiratory therapy jobs, between 2015 and 2019.
The highest number of respiratory therapy jobs in Puerto Rico are in San Juan-Carolina-Caguas.
The table below compares respiratory therapy salary and employment with similar healthcare careers in Puerto Rico;
| Career | Salary | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Respiratory Therapist | $23,580 | 610 |
| Physical Therapist | $45,120 | 520 |
| Occupational Therapist | $39,130 | 280 |
| Speech & Language Therapist | $43,360 | 150 |